Episode 15 | Jekyll & Hyde: Ja' Malik & Richard Walters on Bringing a New Story Ballet to Life

In this episode of At the Barre with Madison Ballet, Director of Outreach Chris Fahrenthold sits down with Artistic/Executive Director Ja' Malik and Rehearsal Director/School Principal Richard Walters to discuss Jekyll & Hyde, a new full-length ballet opening Madison Ballet's 45th anniversary season.

Choreographed collaboratively by Ja' and Richard, Jekyll and Hyde explores the duality of human nature, the tension between our public and private selves, and the ways beauty and darkness can coexist. Set to music by composer Michael Nyman, originally written for the documentary McQueen, the production takes a psychological approach to Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story.

Ja' and Richard share how they navigate the collaborative choreographic process using classical ballet technique in new and unexpected ways. They also discuss the role of costumes, projections, lighting, and set design in creating an immersive theatrical experience.

Whether you're a longtime ballet enthusiast or new to the art form, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how a new story ballet takes shape, and an invitation to experience dance with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to be challenged.

Key points in this episode:

* How Michael Nyman's score for the documentary McQueen inspired the production

* How two choreographers with different creative processes collaborate to build a cohesive, full-length production

* Exploring the duality of human nature, from the personas we present to the struggles we keep hidden

* The contrast between ballet's seemingly effortless beauty and the physical demands and sacrifices behind the scenes

* How Ja' and Richard are blending classical ballet technique with contemporary movement to develop characters and tell a more complex story

* The role of costumes, projections, lighting, and visual design in building the world of Jekyll & Hyde

See JEKYLL & HYDE @ Madison Youth Arts Center October 29 - November 1, 2026