La Mer

Scapino Ballet Rotterdam brings La Mer to Nieuwe Luxor: a visually rich multimedia dance production about the beauty and vulnerability of the oceans. During the première week, the performance gains extra weight through live music by the Rotterdams Philharmonisch Orkest and 16 female singers from Laurens Collegium, conducted by Barbara Hannigan.

The production is based on Claude Debussy’s iconic La Mer from 1905 and his choral work Sirènes. Choreographer Nanine Linning places Debussy’s romantic image of the sea next to the harder reality of today, shaped by rising sea levels and pollution. With 25 dancers, music, couture and video art, the result is a large-scale stage world where beauty and threat move side by side.

Composer Yannis Kyriakides adds a contemporary sound layer inspired by recent hydrophone recordings from the deep ocean. Barbara Hannigan also appears on stage, shifting between conductor and performer as she becomes part of the choreography.

After the success of Anima Obscura, Linning works again with an international creative team. The digital scenography is by media artist Heleen Blanken, while Japanese haute-couture designer Yuima Nakazato creates the costumes.

Expect dance, live orchestral music, vocal power and oceanic drama. 

Details
Event: La Mer
Company: Scapino Ballet Rotterdam
In collaboration with: Barbara Hannigan, Rotterdams Philharmonisch Orkest and Laurens Vocal
Dates: Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 October 2026
Location: Nieuwe Luxor, Rotterdam
Tickets: €35 to €79 for the preview, €45 to €89 for regular performances
Music: Claude Debussy and Yannis Kyriakides
Choreography: Nanine Linning
Genre: Dance, live music and multimedia performance
Note: The preview on 8 October includes a €10 discount, already included in the ticket price.