American composer Nico Muhly has unveiled his latest ambitious work, 'Marking Time,' in a groundbreaking premiere at London's prestigious Sadler's Wells theatre. This innovative production brings together four distinct choreographers to interpret Muhly's complex musical exploration of how we perceive and experience time.
A Collaborative Vision Across Dance and Music
The performance represents a unique artistic experiment, with each of the four choreographers - James Cousins, Sara Baras, Oona Doherty, and Julie Cunningham - creating separate dance pieces set to different sections of Muhly's composition. Muhly himself describes the work as investigating "how music manipulates our sense of time," creating what he calls "a hall of mirrors" effect where time appears to stretch, contract, and transform throughout the performance.
Running for approximately 90 minutes without an interval, the production features musical accompaniment from the Britten Sinfonia, conducted by the esteemed Clark Rundell. The ensemble delivers Muhly's intricate score, which incorporates both electronic and acoustic elements, creating a rich sonic landscape that challenges conventional perceptions of musical timing and rhythm.
Distinct Choreographic Voices Interpreting Time
Each choreographer brings their distinctive style to the production, creating a diverse visual interpretation of Muhly's temporal themes. James Cousins, known for his physically demanding and emotionally charged work, presents a piece that explores the tension between individual and collective movement. Spanish flamenco star Sara Baras contributes her powerful, rhythmic interpretation, while Oona Doherty and Julie Cunningham each offer their unique perspectives on how dance can embody and challenge our understanding of time's passage.
The production runs at Sadler's Wells from 18 to 22 November 2025, marking a significant moment in London's contemporary performance calendar. This collaboration continues Muhly's established relationship with the dance world, building on previous successful partnerships with major companies including the American Ballet Theatre and the Paris Opera Ballet.
Expanding Musical Boundaries in Contemporary Performance
At 43, Nico Muhly has established himself as one of the most versatile and sought-after composers of his generation. His extensive catalogue includes operas, film scores, and numerous orchestral works, with 'Marking Time' representing his continued interest in pushing the boundaries of classical music conventions. The composer has expressed particular excitement about working with multiple choreographic voices, noting how each artist's approach reveals different aspects of his musical composition.
Sadler's Wells continues its commitment to innovative cross-artform collaborations with this production, reinforcing its position as a leading venue for cutting-edge performance. The theatre's artistic leadership has highlighted the significance of bringing together a composer of Muhly's stature with such a diverse group of dance makers, creating what promises to be a landmark event in London's cultural landscape.
Audiences and critics alike are anticipating how this multi-faceted exploration of time will resonate, particularly in our contemporary era where digital technology has fundamentally altered our relationship with temporal experience. The production stands as a testament to the continuing vitality of collaborative arts and the endless possibilities when visionary musicians and dancers join forces.
