‘Ab-sol-utely incredible!’ The blockbuster ballet that says Pandora’s box unleashed AI
Aszure Barton is set to present her innovative ballet 'Mere Mortals', which first premiered in San Francisco in 2024, at the Edinburgh International Festival. This performance offers a fresh take on the myth of Pandora's box, transforming it into a cautionary tale about artificial intelligence. Barton reflects on the collaborative spirit that fueled the creation of the piece, highlighting the contributions of electronic musician Sam Shepherd, known as Floating Points, and digital art duo Hamill Industries, who designed the visuals for the performance.
The ballet emphasizes the importance of human connection in the creative process, showcasing a blend of principal dancers and apprentices working together to bring the story to life. Barton believes that the collective effort enhances the power of the work, making it a shared experience rather than solely her vision. As 'Mere Mortals' prepares for its European premiere, audiences can look forward to a thought-provoking exploration of technology and humanity through the art of dance.
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Summarized by Ballet Trader from The Guardian — Dance.
Read the full article: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2026/aug/24/ballet-pandoras-box-ai-aszure-barton-mere-mortals
The ballet emphasizes the importance of human connection in the creative process, showcasing a blend of principal dancers and apprentices working together to bring the story to life. Barton believes that the collective effort enhances the power of the work, making it a shared experience rather than solely her vision. As 'Mere Mortals' prepares for its European premiere, audiences can look forward to a thought-provoking exploration of technology and humanity through the art of dance.
—
Summarized by Ballet Trader from The Guardian — Dance.
Read the full article: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2026/aug/24/ballet-pandoras-box-ai-aszure-barton-mere-mortals