By Anadolu Staff
ISTANBUL (AA) – Scottish Ballet’s AI-driven adaptation of Coppelia is making its Türkiye debut on Friday and Saturday at Zorlu PSM, presenting a contemporary interpretation of the classic through digital visuals, cinematic language, and live orchestra.
Directed and choreographed by Morgann Runacre Temple and Jessica Wright, with Christopher Hampson as artistic director, the production merges dance with theater, film, and immersive projections.
The original score by Leo Delibes has been reimagined with electronic elements by Mikael Karlsson and Michael P. Atkinson, performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra.
Hampson described the work as a modern fairy tale, reframing the original narrative around a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur attempting to bring human emotion into an AI-driven avatar world. He called Istanbul a modern, cosmopolitan city with outstanding theater venues.
Principal dancers Constance Devernay Laurence, performing as Swanhilda, and Bruno Micchiardi said the story’s themes resonate strongly today, adding that the production preserves the spirit of the original ballet while offering a distinctive contemporary twist.
The staging includes voiceovers by Jeff James, video design by Will Duke, and costumes by Annemarie Woods.