DANSOX and The Peter Darrell Trust present: Peter Darrell Rocks!
Founding Director of Scottish Ballet, Peter Darrell’s short life was brim-full of ‘firsts’ – one of these is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024. He created the first ballet commissioned for television (House Party, 1964, music from Les Biches by Francis Poulenc), and his Mods and Rockers, 1963, is widely regarded as being the first ballet set to contemporary rock (the music of The Beatles); not forgetting, choreographing for Hammer Horror films, and for the elephants in Billy Smart’s Circus!
In this seminar we will explore what made his work unique – the link between his choreography, and his passion for storytelling, inspiring generations to come, including Matthew Bourne. Peter Darrell trained at The Royal Ballet School at the same time as two other great choreographers: John Cranko, and Kenneth MacMillan. With Frederick Ashton also an alumnus, it was a real crucible of dance creativity!
Peter Darrell Rocks! is a rare opportunity to see and hear about Darrell’s work:
SCREENING OF HOUSE PARTY, introduced by Jane Pritchard, Dance Curator from London’s V&A Museum, followed by Q&A with members of the original cast (Hazel Merry and Oliver Symons) chaired by Emeritus Professor Sue Jones, St. Hilda’s College Oxford, Scottish Ballet alumna.
SCREENING OF MODS AND ROCKERS 1963 followed by discussion and Q&A.
Wednesday 24 July, 5.30–7.45pm
St. Hilda’s College, Oxford University
Tickets: FREE – book here
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