Forsythe & Looris

ALEXELA presents:

William Forsythe’s ballet “In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated” and Linnar Looris’ ballet “30,75"
Premiere in the Estonian National Opera on November 28, 2025

In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated
Premiere on May 30, 1987, Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris

Choreographer: William Forsythe
Music: Thom Willems in collaboration with Leslie Stuck
Stage, Lights and Costumes: William Forsythe
Staged by Kathryn Bennetts
Technical and Lighting supervisor: Tanja Rühl

William Forsythe is an American-born choreographer known for pushing the boundaries of contemporary ballet and classical dance. His work is not just dance – it is a visual and physical puzzle that draws the viewer into its intense, ever-changing world.

William Forsythe: “Originally created for the Paris Opera Ballet, “In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated” is a theme and variations in the strictest sense. Making use of academic virtuosity, it extends and accelerates these traditional figures of classical ballet. By shifting the alignment of positions and the emphasis of transitions, the enchainments begin to tilt obliquely and receive an unexpected drive that makes them appear at odds with their own origins.”

Copyright © Boosey & Hawkes

We thank: Stuart Sweeney!

Cast:

Sylvie: Ami Morita, Anna Roberta, Laura Maya, Madeline Skelly
Isabelle: Phillipa McCann, Caroline Hamilton, Madeline Skelly
Jete girl: Marta Navasardyan, Rio Morisawa, Ketlin Oja
Releve girl: Laura Maya, Karina Laura Leškin, Alice Pelizza
Sidekick girl: Gabriella Vidano, Yukina Yokoyama, Polina Sosimova
Sidekick girl: Sophie Farquhar, Alice Pelizza, Anne - Sophie Marjeram, Ashley Chiu
Lionel: Luca Giovanetti, Cristiano Principato, Antonio Gallo, Yuki Nonaka, Theo Bourg
Laurent: Joel Calstar - Fisher, William Newton, Ali Urata
Manuel: Finn Adams, Oscar Pouchoulin, Benjamin Pierce, Teofil Cosma

30,75

Ballet by Linnar Looris
World premiere in the Estonian National Opera on November 28, 2025
Choreographer and Stage Director: Linnar Looris
Designer: Reili Evart
Lighting Designer: Rasmus Rembel

“30,75” is a dashing story about art and money. What is sold to us in the name of “art”? What happens when you try to supress art? Can you take art away from people and its creators?
The one-act ballet by Linnar Looris tries to find answers to all of these questions.

Music from a recording.

Cast:

Evil: Vitali Nikolajev, Triinu Upkin, Marcus Nilson, Karina Laura Leškin, Oscar Pouchoulin, Caroline Hamilton
Dancer: Ami Morita, Anna Roberta, Marjana Fazullina, Ashely Chiu, Sophie Farquhar, Madeline Skelly
Artist: Phillipa McCann, Ketlin Oja, Karina Laura Leškin, Caroline Hamilton
Conductor: Laura Maya, Marta Navasardyan, Rio Morisawa, Polina Sosimova
Actor: William Newton, Joel Calstar - Fisher, Ali Urata, Cristiano Principato
Singer: Luca Giovanetti, Nikos Gkentsef, Liam Stickland, Theo Bourg
Writer: Antonio Gallo, Yuki Nonaka, Oji Fujino, Hiroto Nakabayashi
12 artists women and men: Estonian National Ballet