On stage, Meirhaeghe presents portraits of three women – performers Sophia Rodriguez, Charly Ange Fogaroli and Courtney May Robertson – whose lives in and out of the spotlight have, each in their own way, come at a price. a rite of spring promises to not only be a tribute to a classic but also a radical account of sacrifices women make today.
World premiere
4-7 March 2026
NTGent, Ghent
One hundred and thirteen years ago, a ballet shook the music and theatre world to its foundations: Le Sacre du printemps. Set to startling, rhythmical music, a young woman is chosen to dance herself to death as a sacrificial offer for a new spring.
Benjamin Abel Meirhaeghe reinterprets this iconic work by composer Igor Stravinsky and choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky and shines his contemporary light on the timeless theme of sacrifice and transformation.
As a reflection of Stravinsky’s ritualistic score, Lander Gyselinck composes and improvises compelling new music on drums and electronics.
Direction: Benjamin Abel Meirhaeghe
Music: Lander Gyselinck
Scenography: Benjamin Abel Meirhaeghe in collaboration with visual artists
Costume: Stefan Kartchev
Light design: Nicolaas De Rooij
Assistant light design: Tim Vermeulen
Dramaturgy: Tom Swaak
Cast: Charly Ange Fogaroli, Courtney May Robertson, Sophia Rodriguez, Lander Gyselinck
Production: Opera Ballet Vlaanderen
Coproduction: Toneelhuis
Commissioned by Vonk – Opera Ballet Vlaanderen
| Date | Performance | City Country | Organisation/Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15.03.2026 | a rite of spring | Antwerp (be) | Toneelhuis |
| 14.03.2026 | a rite of spring | Antwerp (be) | Toneelhuis |
| 12.03.2026 | a rite of spring | Antwerp (be) | Toneelhuis |
| 11.03.2026 | a rite of spring | Antwerp (be) | Toneelhuis |
| 07.03.2026 | a rite of spring (world premiere) | Ghent (be) | NTGent |
| 06.03.2026 | a rite of spring (world premiere) | Ghent (be) | NTGent |
| 05.03.2026 | a rite of spring (world premiere) | Ghent (be) | NTGent |
| 04.03.2026 | a rite of spring (world premiere) | Ghent (be) | NTGent |