Dutch National Ballet
Wicked Women

Dates
3 April 2025
Location
Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Studio Boekman
Running time
1:15, no interval
Tickets
From € 17

Shakespeare’s tragic character Lady Macbeth is often seen as manipulative and ruthless – a woman who channels her powerlessness into boundless ambition. But is she truly a ‘monster,’ or is she a product of a world in which women have little control over their own fate? And how does she fit into a broader trend of reexamining and reframing female figures – from mythical witches to historical women?
On 3 April, feminist writers, together with the creators of the new ballet production Lady Macbeth, will reflect on this fascinating figure and on timeless themes such as power, gender roles, motherhood, and autonomy. Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth struggled with these issues centuries ago, but how do they resonate with women today?
Please note: Wicked Women is primarily in English
Credits
Created by Zus ’n Zo
Speakers and creators Tatjana Almuli, Sophia Blyden, Asmae Amaddaou, Mojdeh Feili, Shishani (vocalist), Aineko (VJ), Helen Pickett (choreographer/director Lady Macbeth), James Bonas (director Lady Macbeth)
Curated By Zus ’n Zo
Wicked Women is the second edition of Curated By, a series in Studio Boekman where we invite creators, artists, writers and other speakers or performers to respond to an opera or ballet production on the Main Stage. They are given complete freedom to design their own programme or performance. The programme Wicked Women – organised in the context of the new ballet production Lady Macbeth – has been created by Zus ’n Zo, a literary platform for intersectional feminism. Zus ’n Zo focuses on the work of women and gender-nonconforming individuals, making it accessible to a broad audience. By shedding light on the stories and voices of feminist writers (of colour), the platform brings intersectional feminist literature to the forefront.