PRESS RELEASE

SF Ballet to stage the first presentation of Forsythe’s ‘The Blake Works’ full evening-length program in North America 

Program features two SF Ballet premieres, plus a newly commissioned curtain drop designed by Forsythe 

Choreography set to music by Grammy Award-winning recording artist James Blake 

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) February 20, 2026—San Francisco Ballet (SF Ballet) today announced details for Forsythe’s ‘The Blake Works’ at the War Memorial Opera House, onstage from February 27 to March 8. This three-part program of works by celebrated choreographer William Forsythe, set to music by Grammy Award-winning recording artist James Blake, features the SF Ballet premieres of Prologue and The Barre Project alongside the return of Blake Works I. This program marks the North American premiere of ‘The Blake Works’ as a complete triple bill, first premiering in Milan, Italy, in 2023. 

“I am so proud that, for the first time in San Francisco Ballet’s history, we are presenting a full-evening program of works by William Forsythe,” said Artistic Director Tamara Rojo. “There is not another choreographer today that has a comparable legacy and impact on the evolution of classical ballet into the 21st century. Working with Forsythe is transformational for any artist—with The Blake Works, SF Ballet’s incredible dancers will bring to life our shared mission to move ballet into the future.” 

Internationally recognized for deconstructing and reimagining the language of ballet, Forsythe’s choreography is at once precise and fluid, pushing classical technique into new terrain. This program, weaving ballet and contemporary sound into a single immersive experience, is unified by an atmospheric, emotional score comprised of music by James Blake. Known for his electronic textures and introspective lyrics, Blake creates sonic landscapes infused with vulnerability and rhythmic drive. The interplay between Blake’s layered score and Forsythe’s architectural movement generates a dynamic dialogue, making ‘The Blake Works’ a celebration of innovation in ballet and a testament to the expressive power of contemporary music. 

SF Ballet has commissioned Forsythe to design a new curtain drop inspired by ‘The Blake Works’ to greet audiences at every performance in the run. This curtain drop reflects Forsythe’s multidisciplinary practice and signature exploration of line, geometry, and movement. 

All evening performances of ‘The Blake Works’ feature an energetic after party in the Opera House lobby. Participating DJs include Bay Area-based artists Mr. Big Happy, Nina Sol, Brown Angel, Mawkus, Charlotte Von Kotze, and Nooka Jones playing an hourlong set following the performance. View the DJ schedule on our website. 

Meet the Artist Interviews 
Select performances of ‘The Blake Works’ will be introduced by an informative talk featuring artists in conversation with a moderator. Interviews are 25 minutes long, and a performance ticket for the chosen date is required to enter the Opera House. Artists and schedule are subject to change. 

Friday, February 27 at 7:05pm 
Sunday, March 1 at 1:05pm 
Friday, March 6 at 7:05pm 
Sunday, March 8 at 1:05pm 

Tickets 
‘The Blake Works’ is onstage at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco from February 27 to March 8. Tickets may be purchased online at sfballet.org or by calling Ticket Services at 415-865-2000, open Monday through Friday, 10am to 4pm. Casting and prices are subject to change.   

Run Time 
Prologue – 13 minutes 
Film – 3 minutes 
The Barre Project – 19 minutes 
Intermission – 20 minutes 
Blake Works I – 32 minutes 

Total run time: 1 hour, 27 minutes 

Production Credits 

Prologue (SF Ballet Premiere) 
Choreography, Scenic and Costume Design: William Forsythe 
Composer: James Blake 
Lighting Design: Tanja Ruehl 
Staged by: Jodie Gates and Noah Gelber 

World Premiere: May 10, 2023—Ballet Company Teatro alla Scala; Teatro alla Scala; Milan, Italy 

SF Ballet Premiere: February 27, 2026—War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco, California 

The Barre Project (SF Ballet Premiere) 
Choreography, Scenic and Costume Design: William Forsythe 
Composer: James Blake 
Lighting Design: Tanja Ruehl, based on the original design by Brandon Stirling Baker 
Staged by: Jodie Gates and Noah Gelber 

Originating from The Barre Project (Blake Works II), created and filmed in 2020 for its broadcast on March 25, 2021 on the CLI Studios Digital Platform www.clistudios.com 

SF Ballet Premiere: February 27, 2026—War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco, California 

Blake Works I 
Choreography and Scenic Design: William Forsythe 
Composer: James Blake 
Costume Design: Dorothee Merg and William Forsythe 
Lighting Design: Tanja Ruehl 
Staged by: Jodie Gates, Felipe Diaz, and Katita Waldo 
Original staging (2022): Ayman Harper 

World Premiere: July 4, 2016—Paris Opera Ballet, Palais Garnier; Paris, France 

SF Ballet Premiere: February 3, 2022—War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco, California 

Sound Supervisor for The Blake Works: Niels Lanz. Music: Prologue — “Lindisfarne I” from James Blake (2011); The Barre Project — “Buzzard & Kestrel” from The Bells Sketch (2010), “Lullaby for My Insomniac” from Assume Form (2019), and “200 Press” from 200 Press (2014). Blake Works I — Songs from The Colour in Anything (2016): “I Need a Forest Fire,” “Put That Away and Talk to Me,” “The Colour in Anything,” “I Hope My Life (1-800 Mix),” “Waves Know Shores,” “Two Men Down,” and “f.o.r.e.v.e.r.” Costumes constructed by San Francisco Ballet Costume Shop: Wes Crain, Shop Foreman; Jarred Garza, First Hand; Shannon Maxham, Crafter. Scenic Curtain Design by William Forsythe, after Carlus Dyer. Smiley, names, characters and all related indicia are owned by The Smiley Company ©1971-2026. All rights reserved. www.smiley.com 

About San Francisco Ballet  
San Francisco Ballet, led by Artistic Director Tamara Rojo, is a world-leading ballet company and a trailblazing commissioner, collaborator, and presenter in dance. With a deep commitment to new and contemporary works and the classical repertoire, SF Ballet is a catalyst for the future of ballet, investing in commissions and acquisitions; presenting established and emerging choreographers with a breadth of viewpoints; uplifting dancers, artists, and creatives across disciplines; and cultivating the next generation of the world’s top dancers in its School. 

Contact  
Public Relations, San Francisco Ballet  
press@sfballet.org  
To access press images, please register via this link 
Press Center