Pioneering ballet production takes to the stage

Nadia Abdulla, Director of PearlProductions

Press release issued: 19 November 2012

Past and present University of Bristol students are staging a full-scale ballet production – the first of its kind to be held in the city. With completely original choreography and music, SYMBA introduces African tribal themes and martial combat into mainstream ballet, telling a story of morals, love and trialling times.

With completely original choreography and music, SYMBA introduces African tribal themes and martial combat into mainstream ballet, telling a story of morals, love and trialling times.

It’s the first time musicians and dancers at the University have come together in the University of Bristol Students’ Unions’ Winston Theatre, the first full-scale ballet staged there and a 40-strong orchestra - the largest amount of live musicians performing in the venue at the same time.

SYMBA, which is taking place from Thursday to Saturday [22 to 24 November], is the brain child of 22-year-old Maths and Physics graduate Nadia Abdulla who set-up PearlProductions to bring together creative talents from across the University.

She also wanted to raise money for a charity close to her heart – Macmillan Cancer Support, in recognition of the support they gave her mum, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago. Money raised through ticket sales will also go towards Bristol-based Meningitis UK in recognition of the struggle fellow dancer Onor Crummay faced when struck down by the deadly disease in 2008.

Nadia has put her ballet training and production experience into action by creating an imaginative, modern ballet. While she’s led the choreography, PhD student Matthew Pearson has worked alongside masters students Jake Bright, James Prideux and Olivia Thomas to compose the music.

Matthew will be taking the helm as the musical director, conducting a full orchestra of over 40 musicians and managing a 25 strong choir.

To purchase tickets for SYMBA go to www.ubutheatre.com/symba. Tickets are £15 (£10 concessions). Performances will premiere at the Winston Theatre Bristol University Students Union, Queens Street on 22, 23 and 24 November, with performances at 7:30pm plus a 2:30pm matinee on Saturday, 24 November.