The Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève presents “Océans (Oceans)” at the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices, in Geneva, from 19 to 24 November 2026. The evening brings together two pieces on the theme of water, by Damien Jalet and Kyle Abraham.
The story
“Brise-lames (Breakwater)”, by Damien Jalet, was created in 2020 for the Paris Opera, as part of the “Créer aujourd’hui (Create Today)” programme. The November 2020 lockdown cancelled the performances, five days before the premiere. The piece was filmed and broadcast on television on 29 January 2021. It is inspired by Virginia Woolf’s “The Waves”.
Kyle Abraham was born in Pittsburgh. He founded his company in 2006 and received a MacArthur Fellowship in 2013. He has created works for the Royal Ballet, New York City Ballet and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
The Ballet du Grand Théâtre has been a permanent company since 1962. Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui has directed it since the 2022-2023 season. Damien Jalet is its associate artist. During the Grand Théâtre renovation works, from January 2026 to June 2027, most performances take place at the BFM.
Who organises it
The Grand Théâtre de Genève, with its Ballet.
What to find
“Brise-lames (Breakwater)” enters the Ballet’s repertoire. Nine dancers form a human wave. Set and costumes are by the artist JR. The music is by Koki Nakano, with pieces by Ólafur Arnalds and Nils Frahm.
“River Without Banks” is a world premiere by Kyle Abraham for eight dancers. The piece is about the passing of time and changing relationships. The music is by Leo Svirsky.
Pianists play on stage, including Koki Nakano, Leo Svirsky, Reinier van Houdt and Réginald Le Reun.
Practical information
- Dates, Thursday 19, Saturday 21, Sunday 22, Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 November 2026 (no performance on Friday 20)
- Times, 8 pm; Sunday at 3 pm
- Duration, 1 hour 40 with an interval
- Venue, Bâtiment des Forces Motrices, place des Volontaires 2, 1204 Geneva
- Price, from CHF 20
- Age, 10 and over
- Tickets, gtg.ch ; 022 322 50 50
Links
- Official site, Grand Théâtre de Genève, Océans
- All events across French-speaking Switzerland, Genève Infos Agenda
Sources
- Grand Théâtre de Genève, Océans, accessed on 14 November 2026
- Grand Théâtre de Genève, Ballet, accessed on 14 November 2026
- Grand Théâtre de Genève, contacts and access, accessed on 14 November 2026
- Geneva Tourism, Océans, accessed on 14 November 2026
- Damien Jalet, Brise-lames, accessed on 14 November 2026
- JR, Brise-Lames, accessed on 14 November 2026
- MacArthur Foundation, Kyle Abraham, accessed on 14 November 2026
- Royal Ballet and Opera, Kyle Abraham, accessed on 14 November 2026
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