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Lady Macbeth

Exploring Shakespeare's Scottish Play through the journey of Lady Macbeth - from aspirational seaker of agency to sidelined, powerless and suicidal in the chaos following her husband's rise to power.

Date:
2025
Company:
Dutch National Ballet
Choreographer:
Helen Pickett
Dramaturg:
James Bonas
Set and Costume Designer:
Luis Carvalho
Lighting:
Bonnie Beecher
Video:
Anouar Brissel
The Murder (live)
Coronation (live)
Revisiting the Past (live)
In the Kitchen & Banquet (Live)
Escape (live)
Unbearable (live)

Reviews:

Peter Salem’s score was incredible — it carried the tension and emotion of the story from start to finish, blending classical and modern sounds seamlessly. I felt like it was the perfect fit for the story .The music felt like the heartbeat of the ballet. I only wish there was a recording so we could revisit it.

Cicek Isiksel Sonmez 4 Jun 2026 ArtsTalk Magazine

The Salem score is an absolute cracker of brooding energy — drums and blaring brass at times, a troubled and oppressive wall of near silence at others, as when murder is afoot. It is brilliant and well delivered by the Dutch Ballet Orchestra under the baton of Koen Kessels.

Bruce Marriot 4 Jun 2026 LiftedLeg

Interview with Clare Varney:

Peter Salem: “They were only meant to kill the bloody King!”

https://thespidyeditor.com/peter-salem-they-were-only-meant-to-kill-the-bloody-king-dutch-national-ballet/