

MACARONI
MACARONI
World Premiere 2024 / The Wilma Theatre
Philadelphia, USA
Commissioned by BalletX
Choreographer: Loughlan Prior
Composer: Claire Cowan
Designer: Emma Kingsbury
Lighting Designer: Michael Korsch
Photography: Vikki Sloviter
"It is Revolutionary War-era-Philadelphia-meets-Bridgerton-meets-a-period-movie-meets-drag queens and addresses everything from tea time to riding horses, to lawn flamingos and Christmas sweaters. There is a message of acceptance in there, but mostly it is just a wildly entertaining ride."
- Philadelphia Inquirer
Program Notes:
In the late 18th century, to call someone a “Macaroni” was to connect them to an effeminate character, ripe for ridicule. The patriotic anthem,'Yankee Doodle Dandy’, was first devised as an insulting ditty, with its queer-phobic origins satirising the gender bending styles of flamboyant society. In this new work, BalletX shines a light on a little known part of queer history, combining layers of camp humour with poignant storytelling and reclaimed pride.