New Ai-Infused Ballet “Coppél-i.A” Challenges Traditional Ballet Perspective

In the enchanting realm of ballet, a groundbreaking production has asserted that the lines between art and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly fluid. Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo will soon grace the Segerstrom Center for the Arts with “Coppél-i.A.,” a thought-provoking union of classical dance and AI innovation. This captivating reinterpretation of the 1870 comic ballet “Coppélia” invites audiences in Southern California to witness a narrative ripe with romantic entanglements and philosophical reflections, running from March 7–10.

The narrative of “Coppélia” finds its origin in the story of an exceptionally lifelike automaton crafted by Dr. Coppélius, which garners the adoration of village boy Franz, much to the chagrin of his betrothed, Swanilda. “Coppél-i.A.,” with its clever nod to the French term for artificial intelligence (intelligence artificielle), takes this premise into a futuristic vision, boldly suggesting a world where AI not only replicates human form but challenges our conception of humanity itself.

Under the skillful direction of choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot, long-standing Artistic Director of the esteemed Monaco-based company since 1993, “Coppél-i.A.” ventures beyond traditional storytelling to examine our relationships with artificial beings. Maillot, whose extensive career boasts over 80 choreographic works, sees this production as an opportunity to reignite interest in renowned story ballets by infusing them with contemporary relevance.

Elaborating on the concept, Maillot remarked on the role of AI in pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and its potential to surpass human capabilities. Set against a near-future backdrop, “Coppél-i.A.” thrusts the leading couple, Frantz and Swanilda, into a state of upheaval due to the arrival of Dr. Coppélius’s synthetic creation. The production probes profound inquiries—will the ideal partner be composed of flesh and blood, or are we destined to surrender to a connection with meticulously manufactured humanoids?

Complementing Maillot’s innovative choreography is an equally imaginative soundscape. The production’s music, skillfully composed by Maillot’s brother Bertrand, builds upon Léo Delibes’ original “Coppélia” score. However, in a seamless blend of tradition and tech, these familiar melodies are transmuted through artificial intelligence generated images of sound, resulting in a composition that is both recognizable and entirely reimagined.

Jean-Christophe Maillot, who grew up ensconced in the world of art due to his parents’ creative professions, found his passion anchored in dance. The art form, Maillot believes, serves as the nexus where all artistic mediums converge, capable of conveying narratives without words, tapping into dancers’ abilities to express the intricate aspects of human nature through movement alone. It is this storytelling force, particularly through story ballets, that absorbs Maillot—the chance to bring dance into the dimension of human experience.

The brainchild of Caroline, Princess of Hanover, and inspired by her mother—the late Princess Grace of Monaco—”Coppél-i.A.” is an extension of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo’s commitment to evolving ballet’s traditional mission, which began with Serge Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes in 1909. Indeed, the production reflects Maillot’s belief that choreography should enhance the narrative, thus allowing dance to flourish.

“Coppél-i.A.,” brings together about 50 dancers, adorned in Aimeé Moreni’s costumes, with Samuel Thery’s and Maillot’s lighting design, marking the fifth Segerstrom appearance for the renowned troupe since 2012. This enduring collaboration owes much to the relationship between Maillot and the Center’s artistic advisor, Judith O’Dea Morr—an alliance built on mutual respect and shared artistic vision.

As the latest ai news & ai tools continue to advance, “Coppél-i.A.” stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of the arts. The synergy of ballet and AI offers a new lens through which we can examine the essence of love, connection, and what it truly means to be human. For those enticed by the fusion of classic artistic expression and cutting-edge technology, this production promises an experience that will linger long after the final curtain falls.