UniVerse: A Dark Crystal Odyssey in Abu Dhabi

UniVerse: A Dark Crystal Odyssey is a moving meditation on the climate crisis, exploring themes of exploitation, destruction, apathy and ultimately hope. Originally inspired by The Dark Crystal, Jim Henson’s cult fantasy movie about an ailing planet and a divided race, this piece depicts an earth riven by extremes and urgently in need of healing.  

Immersive digital environments and cutting-edge costumes create a stunning blend of fantasy and documentary, while high tensile choreography in dialogue with spoken word, powerfully evokes 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.  

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