Dreams, Delusions, and Dance: Edward Clug’s Peer Gynt

Teatro alla Scala [ENA] In April 2025, Teatro alla Scala in beautiful Mailand unveiled a ballet that redefined narrative storytelling through dance: Edward Clug’s Peer Gynt. This production, marking its debut at La Scala, masterfully intertwines Henrik Ibsen’s complex narrative with Edvard Grieg’s evocative music, offering audiences a mesmerizing journey through the realms of reality and fantasy.

Edward Clug, renowned for his innovative choreographic language, brings a fresh perspective to Ibsen’s classic. Rather than a mere adaptation, Clug’s rendition delves deep into the psyche of Peer Gynt, portraying his escapades, dreams, and inner turmoil with profound sensitivity. The ballet’s structure, described as “narrative yet oneiric,” captures the essence of Peer’s journey, blurring the lines between the tangible and the surreal. Central to the production is the harmonious fusion of Grieg’s compositions. Clug doesn’t limit himself to the familiar Peer Gynt suites; instead, he integrates various pieces from Grieg’s oeuvre, crafting a rich tapestry of sound that complements the ballet’s emotional depth.

Under the baton of conductor Victorien Vanoosten, the Teatro alla Scala Orchestra delivers a performance that is both nuanced and powerful, enhancing the ballet’s atmospheric quality. Timofej Andrijashenko’s portrayal of Peer Gynt is a tour de force. His performance captures the character’s multifaceted nature—bravado, vulnerability, and introspection—with remarkable authenticity. Andrijashenko’s embodiment of Peer resonates deeply, making the character’s journey palpable and poignant. Supporting him, Alice Mariani as Solveig brings a serene grace to the stage, her movements embodying the steadfast love and hope that anchor Peer’s tumultuous voyage.

Antonella Albano’s depiction of Åse, Peer’s mother, is both tender and heartrending, adding layers of emotional complexity to the narrative. The production’s visual elements are nothing short of spectacular. Marko Japelj’s set design provides a versatile backdrop that seamlessly transitions between the various realms Peer traverses. Leo Kulaš’s costumes, with their intricate details and symbolic nuances, enhance the storytelling, while Tomaž Premzl’s lighting design accentuates the ballet’s dreamlike ambiance.

The Corps de Ballet of Teatro alla Scala delivers a performance marked by precision and expressiveness. Their collective synergy brings to life the myriad characters and settings of Peer’s journey, from the ethereal to the grotesque, enriching the ballet’s narrative fabric. Edward Clug’s Peer Gynt at Teatro alla Scala is a landmark production that exemplifies the transformative power of ballet. Through its innovative choreography, compelling performances, and cohesive artistic vision, it offers a profound exploration of identity, ambition, and the human condition. This ballet not only honors the legacy of Ibsen and Grieg but also reimagines it for contemporary audiences, leaving an indelible impression on all who experience it.