OPHELIA
A New Immersive Dance-Theatre Performance for Museums and Galleries
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Inspired by the works of William Shakespeare,
John Everett Millais and Dante Gabriel Rossetti
In Autumn 2023, Pavilion Dance South West and the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum commissioned Chhaya Collective to make a piece of work based on one of Shakespeare’s most famous couples, Hamlet and Ophelia. Leaning into themes of mental health and unrequited love, it re-imagines Ophelia through the lens of feminine empowerment.
This powerful duet was staged three times in the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery as part of their 'Dangerous Women' Lates programme in April 2024 and at Newton Abbot Museum in February 2025, alongside a community cast, live musicians and Visual Art Commission by Jeannie Clarke.
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'Ophelia' is now available for touring from November 2025 - 2027.
For further information and booking enquiries contact us below.
OPHELIA CAST & CREATIVE TEAM
PDSW
Producer
Ophelia
REVIEWS
""I felt every moment...
The storytelling was sophisticated, thoughtful, and real...
A truly immersive and powerful experience."
Martin Berry, Creative Director & Chief Executive of Exeter Northcott Theatre 2025
“The dance was emotional, dramatic, very good”​
“loved the dancing” “sensational”
“amazing dancers” “spectacular”
“Dance performance was incredible”
Audience Members, Russell Cotes Gallery 2024
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“Such a fabulous and special way of bringing dance together with the community.” “Powerfully moving, imaginative & playful... a defiantly feminine stand against oppression.”
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Audience Members, Newton Abbot Museum 2025
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“For a historic house environment with paintings and objects on open display, live performance or dance can be a challenge. We were reassured by Kay and Sean’s professionalism and awareness of the space and our restrictions.The performance was adapted to suit the unconventional surroundings it would take place in. The dance itself was intense, immersive and dramatically captivating. It was a highlight of the event and enjoyed by all of visitors”.
Elissa Killey, Learning and Engagement Officer of Russell Cotes