State-of-the-art immersive technology envelops super-human choreography in this contemporary ode to change.

UniVerse: A Dark Crystal Odyssey is a moving and startling meditation on the climate crisis. Inspired by the Jim Henson cult classic The Dark Crystal about an ailing planet and a divided race, UniVerse: A Dark Crystal Odyssey depicts an earth riven by extremes and urgently in need of healing.

Breathtaking digital environments and cutting-edge costumes create a stunning blend of fantasy and documentary. Powerful choreography and spoken word explore the inseparability of humanity and nature. Performed by the extraordinary dancers of Company Wayne McGregor, this is a modern eco-myth that asks how we can come together to be whole again.

A team of world-class creatives led by choreographer and director Wayne McGregor, includes composer Joel Cadbury, film designer Ravi Deepres, lighting designer Lucy Carter, spoken word artist Isaiah Hull, dramaturg Uzma Hameed, costume designer Philip Delamore and face-and-body artist Alex Box, with special thanks to Brian and Wendy Froud.

Read the UniVerse transcript

UniVerse: A co-production between Studio Wayne McGregor and The Royal Ballet in association with The Jim Henson Company.

Kindly supported by Brenda Leff.

Header image © Andrej Uspenski

Image description: To the left of this image are trees next to a lake. They are sparse and leafless, as though it’s winter. This side of the image is grey. On the right there is a blur of red, pink, blue and purple against a dark background. This is a blur of people moving. It feels warm and frenzied against the cold and dark backdrop.