Aszure Barton's 'Mere Mortals' Reimagines Pandora's Box as AI Parable at Edinburgh Festival

Aszure Barton's ballet 'Mere Mortals,' a Canadian-American choreographer's work, will make its European debut at the Edinburgh International Festival, taking place at the Edinburgh Playhouse from 28-30 August, before heading to Sadler's Wells in London from 9-12 September. Commissioned by Tamara Rojo, the artistic director of San Francisco Ballet, this piece reimagines the story of Pandora's box as a warning regarding artificial intelligence. Collaborating with electronic musician Sam Shepherd (Floating Points) and visual artists Hamill Industries, who created visuals for large LED screens, the ballet premiered in San Francisco in 2024, garnering acclaim for its impressive scale and score. Jennifer Stahl, a seasoned dancer with 20 years at San Francisco Ballet, reprises her role as Pandora after maternity leave. Barton, mentored by Mikhail Baryshnikov, aims for audiences to feel 'showered with energy,' highlighting the collective nature of the creative journey. The production showcases 87 performers, including dancers and musicians from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and Barton clarifies that the work is not anti-AI but instead examines the misunderstood narrative of Pandora as 'an agent of change.'