Tamara Rojo, artistic director of the San Francisco Ballet, presented the European premiere of the AI-inspired ballet "Mere Mortals" at the Edinburgh International Festival, marking her first major production since taking the role a year ago. The ballet, a reinterpretation of the myth of Pandora, was performed at the Edinburgh Playhouse and featured more than 40 dancers, large LED screens, and live accompaniment by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

Choreographed by Aszure Barton, with computer-generated visuals developed by Hamill Industries and a score composed by British electronic artist Floating Points, the production merges technology, music, and dance in a multidisciplinary performance. The ballet explores the opening of Pandora’s box, traditionally associated with unleashing evil, but here the dark forces are symbolized by artificial intelligence. The narrative is largely abstract and symbolic, with characters such as Hope presented in ethereal, non-literal terms.

Performances by Jennifer Stahl as Pandora received particular praise for their intensity and commitment, supported by Harrison James as Epimetheus, Joseph Walsh as Prometheus, and Wei Wang as Hope. The ensemble’s highly disciplined choreography was noted for evoking imagery reminiscent of an advancing army of computer chips, further reinforcing the theme of technology’s encroachment.

Critics highlighted "Mere Mortals" as a sensory-rich experience, emphasizing its striking visual and musical elements rather than a straightforward or traditionally dramatic storyline. The production’s use of dry ice and LED effects, combined with a lush fusion of orchestral and electronic sounds, created an immersive atmosphere that drew mixed responses regarding narrative clarity.

Following its run in Edinburgh, "Mere Mortals" is scheduled to appear at Sadler’s Wells in London from September 9 to 12. The production represents a bold artistic statement on the intersection of myth, technology, and contemporary performance.