MIAMI, United States. – This April 27, 2023, the Cuban dancer Carlos Acosta, artistic director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet, showed the press a preview of his new work ―conceived together with the Swedish choreographer Pontus Lidberg and the composer and musical director Chris Austin. Is about Black Sabbath – The Ballet, a piece that combines classical ballet with elements of heavy metal inspired by the iconic British band Black Sabbath, according to an AFP report.
Acosta, who took over as artistic director of the Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2020, pitched the idea to Black Sabbath co-founder and guitarist Tommy Iommi, getting the go-ahead from both him and the vocalist. Ozzy Osbourne. The three-act ballet will premiere in September in the band’s hometown of Birmingham before going on tour.
Although it is not a documentary, the work tells the story of the four young men who went from the factory to become one of the most successful rock bands, incorporating archival interviews and famous anecdotes, such as the loss of the tips of two fingers of Iommi in a work accident.
The connection between Acosta and Iommi was instant, thanks to their humble origins and passion for music. Despite not knowing the music of Black Sabbath until the late 90s, Acosta found in it a language that he connected with the marginalized, which motivated him to create this ballet.
Composer Chris Austin noted that selecting the songs for the show was a challenge, but once overcome, he was inspired by the irregularity and time changes of Black Sabbath’s music, as well as Ozzy Osbourne’s voice.
The fans of the band eagerly await the premiere of Black Sabbath – The Balletand both Iommi and Acosta are confident that the result will be fantastic, according to AFP.
