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So Quadrophenia… You’ve listened to the album, watched the movie (likely more than once). There’s even a classical rendition. Now a ballet adaptation is on its way.
Though it may seem surprising, Pete Townshend’s rock opera, which captures the vibey mod scene of the mid-60s, is being transformed into a dance production that will debut at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal in just a couple of weeks.
Townshend has shared insights for a Guardian feature about the ballet. It was his idea that he proposed to his wife, classical musician and writer Rachel Fuller, who subsequently devised a plan with Royal Ballet dancer Natalie Harrison, the project’s Creative Director.
The Who’s songwriter seems genuinely impressed by the collaboration among the cast and creative team. “I was struck by how these dancers were able to physically convey the feelings behind the missing lyrics, taking me back to my mid-20s,” he reflects. “It felt as if it emerged from deep within these young performers, and I found it incredibly moving.”
One aspect that required alteration was the wardrobe. As you can imagine, it’s quite challenging to dance in the snug suits that Jimmy and his friends donned. Although Paul Smith designed the costumes, modifications were necessary—gussets were added under the arms and in the trousers to provide more comfort for the dancers’ muscular thighs.
An intriguing detail to note is that the ballet is set, not in 1965, but in the present day.
“It became apparent that there were parallels between the youth I grew up with and the contemporary issues, frustrations, and challenges young men face today,” states Townshend. “The world is currently in a precarious state.”
“The dancers are bringing it into the modern era. There have been moments where I’ve found myself in tears,” the guitarist, who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, confesses. “And it’s not solely because I’m listening to my own music; it’s because it resonates with this new crew.”
Following Plymouth, Quadrophenia: The Ballet will tour in Edinburgh, Southampton, London, and Salford until July 19. For more information and tickets click here.
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