description Watermill Overview
Watermill, choreographed by Matthew Bourne, is a contemporary ballet set in 1920s England that reimagines William Blake’s “The Sick Rose” through the story of a young man’s obsessive love and the menacing presence of a rose-eating mouse.
help Watermill FAQ
Who actually choreographed the contemporary ballet Watermill?
Despite erroneous attributions to Matthew Bourne, Watermill was choreographed by Jerome Robbins. He created this meditative work for the New York City Ballet in 1972.
What is the musical score used in Jerome Robbins' Watermill?
The ballet features an atmospheric, Eastern-inspired score by the Japanese composer Teiji Ito. The music incorporates traditional instruments and drones, creating a uniquely slow, Zen-like pacing.
What are the themes explored in Watermill?
Watermill explores the relentless, serene passage of time, heavily inspired by Zen Buddhism and traditional Japanese Noh theater. It focuses on a young man's journey and meditative stillness.
How does Watermill differ from Robbins' other famous ballets?
Unlike his high-energy, jazz-infused works like West Side Story or Dances at a Gathering, Watermill is deeply contemplative and minimalist. It is widely considered one of his most avant-garde and abstract pieces.
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