Linked to the In the Spirit of Diaghilev premiere on the main stage are three free talks, talking place in the Lilian Baylis Studio from 15 – 17 October.

A lecture, a discussion and a pre-show talk that will consider modern day cultural impresarios, the current state of play of entrepreneurship in the UK, and will end with the choreographers and their collaborators talking about their recent creations.


Could Diaghilev do it today?
How 21st Century Society and Art Collide
Lilian Baylis Studio
Thursday 15 October 6pm - 7pm

Lecture with academic, journalist and cultural consultant Robert Hewison. Diaghilev changed 20th century culture not by being an artist, but by bringing artists of different disciplines together. Robert Hewison asks where Diaghilev’s creativity lay, and whether today’s cultural entrepreneurs are able to follow his example.

Download the complete transcript of this talk »


Entrepreneurship in the Arts
Lilian Baylis Studio
Saturday 17 October 3.30pm - 5pm  

Panel discussion chaired by Sadler's Wells Artistic Director and CEO Alistair Spalding, with special guests from the arts worlds including Alex Poots, Festival Director, Manchester International Festival and Tania Harrison, Arts Curator.


Artists talk
Lilian Baylis Studio
Saturday 17 October 5.30 – 7pm

A talk with choreographers and collaborators from In the Spirit of Diaghilev, including Wayne McGregor, Javier de Frutos and Russell Maliphant. Chaired by Sadler’s Wells Producer Emma Gladstone.

Limited capacity. Please pre-book with Ticket Office. Not available online.