Mere Mortals at Sadlers Wells Review
San Francisco Ballet’s latest offering at Sadlers Wells is the ballet Mere Mortals. This show focuses on the legend of Pandora and what is unleashed when she opens her infamous jar. While Hesiod's original myth centres blame on Pandora as the cause of unleashing evil in this world, this production instead modernises the story and considers capitalism as the root of these modern evils unleashed, including AI.
Following from its original 2024 run this production uses an intriguing mix of a live orchestra (Royal Ballet Sinfonia) and DJ Floating Points (EM producer Sam Shepherd). Conducted by Martin West, the music is a auditory feast for the senses. It poignantly blends eerie electronic sounds, including synthesizer and celeste, with a variety of white-noise effects that evoke gunfire, static, and an aeroplane taking off, alongside more traditional instrumentation. This creates a uniquely eerie an ethereal atmosphere that sends shivers down your spine throughout. It also performs as a excellent homage and nod to 1950’s sci fi and horror movies that are so permanently etched into our cultural consciousness. The dancers alternate between deliberately dancing off tempo to flawlessly integrating into the beat which also adds to the captivating atmosphere throughout.
In this 70 minute journey into the world of Pandora’s jar we see beautifully stunning choreography by Aszure Barton. In a mix of sharp staccato movements and flowing ethereal sequences the show starts with Hope (Wei Wang) dressed in black and exploring the depths of the box. In a following multitude of seamless solos and group dances we meet three other significant characters from the Hellenic myths, also daring to defy the Gods and forge new paths for humanity. Brothers Prometheus and Epimetheus, (portrayed by Joseph Walsh and Harrison James) showcase the perils, toils and pain of themselves as well as all of humanity amongst the newly unleashed evils. Finally, weaving her way so beautifully in and out of the other dancers is Jennifer Stahl as Pandora. Her fluid and powerful movements are so precise and nuanced that she creates a world of layered depth in the doomed woman. The cast have beautiful and excellent chemistry together, truly moving powerfully together as a cohesive and unsettling whole. Michelle Jank’s costume design also works well to add layered depth and visual spectacle to the performance.
In contrast to the fluid movements of the incredible cast there are LED screens which showcase in depth powerful imagery of exploding stars, the deep ocean and burning volcanoes. It is visually stunning throughout and an excellent foil to the dancers below in reminding us of the extremes found in the jar. However, although this production is a critique of AI it would have been even stronger had all the images been human designed and imagined rather than have AI imagery used. This is also the powerful divisive nature that the show seeks to encourage debate and fevered discussion around. Jim French’s lighting design is visually spectacular and draining, using a variety of flashing lights, darkness and moving LED screens to create a captivating yet incredibly intense performance.
This is a beautiful, intense and profound show which explores not only the impact and horror of modern sins and tragedy but also a profound reminder of hope’s endurance. With a literal golden shine, we are reminded that hope will always remain and it is up to us all to find it and move forward to make the world a better place. This is an incredible modern ballet which will have you riveted in your seat and leave filled with purpose to make your small corner of the world brighter. If you are seeking an introduction to modern ballet, look for profound exploratory art, a incredible immersive experience or are looking for a stimulating night out then this is the perfect show for you.
Running until 12th September at Sadlers Wells Theatre
★★★★
Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic, September 2026.
