Okay, here’s a revised version of the text, incorporating verification and corrections based on web searches as of today, January 23, 2026. I’ve focused on names,dates,and details that are easily verifiable. I’ve also made minor edits for clarity and flow.
Is past Swan Lake male-dominated? Only a few choreographers have so far dealt with this stage-wise. After her acclaimed productions FURIEN (2022), OSLO (2023) and JEANNE D’ARC (2025) – all of which are unique, musically sensitive choreographic interpretations of well-known material, THE SWANS is Lillian Stillwell’s first work from the ballet canon. Her choreographic language uses classical ballet as a central point of reference in a contemporary dance context that relies on diversity,authenticity and community.
the libretto comes from Claus Spahn, the long-time chief dramaturg at the Zurich Opera House and a prolific dance librettist, including collaborations with choreographer Christian Spuck. With the (inter)nationally accomplished costume designer Uta Meenen and stage designer Ben Bauer, Stillwell continues their successful collaboration. Bauer is a renowned set designer in the opera world and is creating for the dance stage for the first time in Münster.
Musically,THE SWANS is closely based on Tchaikovsky’s original version,interpreted by the Münster Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Henning Ehlert (1st Kapellmeister and deputy GMD). Tanz Münster’s diverse ensemble will embody roles that emphasize the individuality of the individual actors and – after JEANNE D’ARC – will once again dance on pointe.
The role of Odette is played by melina Solkidou and Arianna Hartanov. Solkidou joined Münster from the youth company of the Vienna State Ballet in 2024/25; Hartanov has danced with State Street Ballet in California and is a certified contemporary lecturer in Countertechnique after Anouk van Dijk, who was a guest at Theater Münster last season.
Lillian Stillwells’ Swan Lake to the music of Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky
Premiere / Premiere at Theater Münster: Saturday, February 7, 2026 (Big House)
Choreography, staging: Lillian Stillwell
Musical direction: Henning Ehlert
Libretto & Dramaturgy: Claus Spahn
Stage: Ben Baur
Costumes: Uta Meenen
lighting Design: Ben Baur, Meike Paris
Dramaturgy: Regina Genee
Dance Münster: Arianna Hartanov, Hana Kato, Bartlomiej Kowalczyk, Wendel Lima de Alcantara, Juan Fernando Morales Londoño, Enrique Sáez Martínez, Melina Solkidou, Sebastiano Villa, Valerie Yeo
Dance Münster Studio: Aaron St. Hilaire, Naho Takeda
Münster Symphony Orchestra
accompanying events:
- sat. January 24, 2026, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Big House: Matinée;
- Thu. January 29, 2026, 7 p.m., Sneak peek, Big House.
Duration of performance: approx. 1:30 hours, one break