Mere Mortals review – a dazzling, maddening ballet for the AI age
San Francisco Ballet has brought a spectacular performance to the Edinburgh International Festival with 'Mere Mortals,' a bold reimagining of the myth of Pandora's box. Artistic director Tamara Rojo commissioned choreographer Aszure Barton and composer Sam Shepherd to create a visually stunning piece that explores the intersection of dance and AI technology. The production features mesmerizing digital visuals that captivate the audience, often overshadowing the dancers themselves.
The choreography showcases the impressive talents of the San Francisco Ballet dancers, who execute intricate movements that blur the lines between mortals, gods, and automatons. Jennifer Stahl's portrayal of Pandora stands out, while Wei Wang embodies Hope with a sprightly performance. Although the narrative elements of the Pandora tale are not fully realized, the production's creative approach invites viewers to reflect on the implications of technology in our lives.
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Summarized by Ballet Trader from The Guardian — Dance.
Read the full article: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2026/aug/30/mere-mortals-review-edinburgh-playhouse-san-francisco-ballet
The choreography showcases the impressive talents of the San Francisco Ballet dancers, who execute intricate movements that blur the lines between mortals, gods, and automatons. Jennifer Stahl's portrayal of Pandora stands out, while Wei Wang embodies Hope with a sprightly performance. Although the narrative elements of the Pandora tale are not fully realized, the production's creative approach invites viewers to reflect on the implications of technology in our lives.
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Summarized by Ballet Trader from The Guardian — Dance.
Read the full article: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2026/aug/30/mere-mortals-review-edinburgh-playhouse-san-francisco-ballet