TLDR: Scottish Ballet premiered its critically acclaimed, AI-infused production of Coppélia in Istanbul, Türkiye, on November 7, 2025, at Zorlu PSM. This contemporary reinterpretation blends classical ballet with digital technology, exploring themes of artificial intelligence, human emotion, and reality in a modern Silicon Valley setting. The production, which has garnered awards and nominations, features a reimagined score, immersive projections, and a unique blend of dance, theater, and film.
Istanbul, Türkiye – The Scottish Ballet has brought its innovative and critically acclaimed AI-driven adaptation of ‘Coppélia’ to Istanbul, marking its debut in Türkiye. The pioneering production premiered at Istanbul’s Zorlu PSM on Friday, November 7, 2025, with additional performances scheduled for Saturday.
This contemporary reinterpretation of the classic 19th-century ballet seamlessly combines traditional dance with cutting-edge digital technology, exploring profound themes of artificial intelligence and human emotion. The narrative is set in a modern-day Silicon Valley, revolving around Dr. Coppélius, a tech entrepreneur and founder of ‘NuLife,’ and his latest revolutionary AI creation, ‘Coppélia.’
The production, directed and choreographed by the acclaimed UK-based duo Morgann Runacre-Temple and Jessica Wright (known as Jess and Morgs), with Christopher Hampson serving as artistic director, challenges the audience’s perception of reality. It delves into questions of what it means to be human in an increasingly AI-dominated world, and the possibility of a man falling in love with a lifelike mechanical doll or AI.
Journalist Swanhilda plays a pivotal role, arriving at NuLife to interview Dr. Coppélius about his invention, only to uncover deeper truths about the AI. The staging is a multi-sensory experience, incorporating cinematic live projections, a camera on stage, and pre-recorded film elements, effectively blurring the lines between dance, theater, and cinema.
Musically, the original Léo Delibes score has been reimagined with electronic elements by composers Mikael Karlsson and Michael P. Atkinson, performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. The visual spectacle is further enhanced by set and lighting design from Bengt Gomér, projection and video by Will Duke, and costumes by Annemarie Woods. Jeff James contributed dramaturgy, written text, and voiceovers, creating a cohesive and immersive theatrical experience.
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‘Coppélia’ first premiered globally in August 2022 at the Edinburgh International Festival, where it garnered significant critical acclaim. It was honored with the ‘Best Classical Choreography’ award at the National Dance Awards in 2023 and received a nomination for ‘Best Dance’ at the Sky Arts Awards 2023, solidifying its reputation as a groundbreaking work in contemporary ballet.
