Rambert: KISMET
★★★★☆ Chaotic beauty
Festival Theatre: Thurs 3 – Sat 5 July 2025
Review by Suzanne O’Brien
Rambert returns to the Edinburgh Festival Theatre with KISMET a fantastic double bill which explores destiny, fate and unpredictability.
Receiving its world premiere at the Festival Theatre, Gallery of Consequence is set in the hectic world of an airport. This is the perfect piece for people-watchers, those who love to observe, imagine, and piece together the lives of strangers.
Gallery of Consequence, choreographed by Emma Evelein. Pic: Yiling Zhao.
Emma Evelein’s choreography is a feast for the eyes, with dozens of characters and short stories unfolding simultaneously at the airport check-in. It’s easy to initially feel overwhelmed and this is purposefully done.
This layered, dynamic staging creates a sense of chaotic beauty, like a real-life terminal where every person is the main character in their own story. It’s a scene you could watch again and again and always find something new. The dancers’ ability to maintain clarity within such orchestrated chaos is a feat of precision, executed with impressive control.
individuality within the crowd
We meet check-in staff, holidaymakers, couples, and solo travellers, many of which are brought to life through a movement style that’s almost mechanical, but not as far as robotic. It captures the repetitive rhythm of everyday travel without losing sight of the individuality within the crowd.
Gallery of Consequence, choreographed by Emma Evelein. Pic: Yiling Zhao.
Among all the hustle and bustle of an airport, the gossipy staff and officious security officers are one of the few constants. Here, they are a standout element of the show. A fast-paced sequence through security, normally a stressful experience for most travellers, is unexpectedly exhilarating. Who knew going through airport security could look so cool?
As the piece progresses, we are given a more in-depth peek into the lives of the travellers. We see unexpected meetings, intense interactions and internal struggles, portrayed with care and sensitivity which is beautiful to watch. There is a feeling of intimacy and refreshing contrast as the world stops and focuses in on individuals and couples.
inner feelings
A looming departures screen towers over the action at the back of the stage, rooting the piece in time and space. Designed by AMIANGELIKA, the screen acts like a silent narrator, reinforcing themes of transition, anticipation, and the inner feelings of the characters.
Gallery of Consequence, choreographed by Emma Evelein. Pic: Yiling Zhao.
You find yourself wondering what happens to the travellers once they board the plane, but it also feels oddly satisfying that you’ll never know.
smart, stylish, and emotionally layered
There’s no doubt this production will be enjoyed by audiences well beyond Edinburgh. Gallery of Consequence is smart, stylish, and emotionally layered. Another triumph for Rambert.
Gallery of Consequence, choreographed by Emma Evelein. Pic: Yiling Zhao.
B.R.I.S.A., the longer and more abstract of the two pieces, begins with a sense of suppression. Silver threads dangle ominously from the ceiling in John Inger’s set design, creating a physical divide between dancers and audience.
The performers shuffle slowly around a carpeted stage, heads bowed. Like a butterfly, one emerges from beneath the carpet. A powerful image of being buried or contained in a cocoon-like shape. Gradually, they each begin to break free, though some do return to their shuffling state, reminding us that transformation and growth are not straightforward.
chaotic and comic
Inger’s choreography simultaneously feels grounded and earthy yet light and humorous. It’s a duality that doesn’t feel forced or jarring. There’s great joy in this work, especially when the wind is introduced. What starts with a simple fan becomes increasingly chaotic and comic. It escalates to hairdryers, then to leaf blowers that toss the dancers like leaves. The delight onstage is infectious.
A scene from John Inger’s B.R.I.S.A. Pic: Yiling Zhao.
The soundtrack features Nina Simone and you’ve got to have some power to dance and bring justice to her stunning vocals. Rambert has this in abundance. The dancers become creatures of the wind (to quote Simone). Their duets and trios sweeping across the space with both power, unpredictability and humour.
The piece is a reminder that transformation can begin with the slightest of breezes and that freedom, when it comes, can be exhilarating.
Running time: One hour and 30 minutes (Including an interval)
Festival Theatre, 13/29 Nicolson Street EH8 9FT.
Thurs 3 – Sat 5 July 2025
Thurs/Fri: 7.30pm; Sat: 2.30pm only.
Tickets and details: Book here.
Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath BA1
Thurs 6 – Sat 8 November 2025
Evenings: 7.30pm; Sat mat: 2.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here.
A scene from John Inger’s B.R.I.S.A. Pic: Yiling Zhao.
ENDS
