In an innovative and visually striking ballet film, Scottish Ballet presents These Violent Delights, a contemporary retelling inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Directed by Oscar Sansom, known for his work on Biffy Clyro: A Celebration of Endings, and Christopher Hampson CBE, CEO and Artistic Director of Scottish Ballet, the film breaks new ground in dance cinema.
Set to premiere across cinemas in the UK and Ireland on October 21st, These Violent Delights transports viewers into the depths of Juliet’s fever dream, bringing forth themes of identity, love, and transformation. Filmed in stunning locations across Scotland, it is Scottish Ballet’s first major feature-length film and promises to captivate both new and established audiences.
In a vibrant reinterpretation, the film explores the blurred lines between hallucination and memory, blending dance and cinema into a vivid exploration of belonging, defiance, and self-discovery. As fate is rewritten on the dance floor, audiences are left to question the very nature of reality.
“A triumphant adventure…a stunning, thoroughly modern success”
THE LIST ★★★★★
Christopher Hampson, Director and Artistic Leader of Scottish Ballet, shared his thoughts on the creative journey behind the film: “The inspiration came from my reflections on achieving a vision of Romeo & Juliet as a ballet. I was particularly struck by the third act, which I see as fundamentally Juliet’s story. This film presents that narrative from her perspective, drawing on her memories—both accurate and distorted—as she navigates her unconsciousness.”
He continued, “While the film captures only two or three minutes of her waking hours, it deepens the exploration of her subconscious. Scottish Ballet has garnered acclaim for its achievements in dance film over the past decade, winning awards in various categories, and I am thrilled to present this cinematic experience that elevates our craft.”
“An engrossing and fiercely physical dance film”
THE GUARDIAN ★★★★
Oscar Sansom, the film’s director, added his insights on reinterpreting such a classic tale. “Something is intriguing about reworking a story so inherently part of our culture. It gives you a platform to take creative risks in your retelling. We landed on the idea of portraying Juliet’s fever dream during her slumber at the end of the story. Physical movement can convey emotions more directly than dialogue, much like dreams—they may lack a coherent narrative but resonate emotionally. This approach pairs beautifully with our choreography in the film.”
Kayla-Maree Tarantolo, who portrays Juliet and is a soloist with Scottish Ballet, expressed her personal connection to the role: “I poured my heart and soul into this character. Julia Cheng’s process was unlike anything I’ve encountered in my career. We started from emotions rather than steps, selecting three key feelings and creating movements from there. This method made the role feel authentic and truly mine. I believe that the essence of our Juliet encapsulates strength, confidence, and vulnerability. A scene where she dances alone in front of a mirror perfectly illustrates her self-assurance and self-awareness, and I think that’s where the real magic lies.”
As the release date approaches, excitement builds for a fresh look at a timeless narrative. These Violent Delights is not just a film; it’s an experience—one that beckons audiences to immerse themselves in the beauty of dance and the complexity of emotion in a way that only this innovative production can offer.
