Dorian Gray (Bourne)

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Matthew Bourne's Dorian Gray is a modern dance version of Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray. It premiered in August 2008 at the Edinburgh International Festival and moved to Sadler's Wells in London in September 2008. The music, by Terry Davies, comes from a rock quintet led from the keyboard, with sets and costumes by Lez Brotherston. Bourne updates the story to the fashion world: Dorian Gray is a perfume model, and a billboard replaces the portrait. Lord Henry becomes Lady Henrietta, and Cyril, a male ballet dancer, replaces Sybil the actress from the original tale. Bourne says the piece speaks to today's obsession with youth and the gaze of the camera. The Edinburgh run drew over 11,000 tickets, becoming the festival's best-selling dance event, and critics praised the choreography, costumes, and staging.