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Winnipeg Free Press
23-07-2025
- Climate
- Winnipeg Free Press
Free Press Head Start for July 23, 2025
Mainly cloudy, with a 60 per cent chance of showers early this morning. Widespread smoke. High 24 C. Humidex 26. UV index 7 or high. Winnipeggers may have received a tornado alert on their phones on Monday — some repeatedly — but it wasn't for them and they were never in any danger. While the Environment Canada emergency alert popped up on the cellphones of many Winnipeggers at about 6:30 p.m. — urging them to 'take immediate cover in a basement or interior room if weather threat approaches' — it was intended for residents in the Rural Municipality of MacDonald, southwest of the city. Some of its communities include Oak Bluff, La Salle, Brunkild and Starbuck. Kevin Rollason has more here. What's happening today The Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Ballet in the Park is to summer in Winnipeg what Nutcracker is to winter: a beloved annual tradition. The annual al fresco performance is a once-a-season chance to watch the company and RWB School students perform for free (at the Lyric Theatre at Assiniboine Park), making it the perfect introduction to the art form. Performances run July 23-25, starting tonight at 7:30 p.m. You can register here. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Ballet in the Park returns to the Lyric Theatre for three nights starting tonight. (Nic Adam / Free Press files) Today's must-read Manitoba's experience as a leader in reconciliation will give it a leg up when it comes time for Canada to fast-track megaprojects, Premier Wab Kinew said Tuesday after signing an agreement with Saskatchewan to expand trade through the Port of Churchill. 'We're working a ton on making sure we have consensus with the Indigenous nations for the megaprojects that we want to pursue to build up the Manitoba and Canadian economy,' Kinew said. Twenty-nine First Nations and 12 northern communities own the Arctic Gateway Group, which operates the Port of Churchill and the Hudson Bay Railway that connects it to the rest of the continent. Carol Sanders has the story. The Port of Chuchill (John Woods / The Canadian Press files) On the bright side It's better to be safe than sorry when around water. That's the message the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg is spreading this week as it offers free water safety resources for both new and comfortable swimmers at its four locations in Winnipeg. 'Drowning is so, so preventable. Swimming is a life skill,' said Finn McLandress, aquatics director at the downtown location at 301 Vaughan St. Swim instructors will be available during drop-in swim times to answer questions and help any adult or child who has basic swim skills. Displays at each location entrance will have pamphlets and kids colouring sheets that list tips on how to avoid drowning. Matthew Frank has more here. Finlay McLandress, Aquatics Director, Downtown Y Community Hub (Supplied) On this date On July 23, 1953: The Winnipeg Free Press reported British government officials believed a violent shakeup gripped top leadership in the Soviet Union and were far from convinced premier Georgi Malenkov wielded total power. Buckingham Palace had no comment on the relationship between Princess Margaret and divorced Second World War fighter pilot Group Capt. Peter Townshend. In Winnipeg, all inoculations and other immunization injections for children were paused as 16 more cases of polio were reported. Read the rest of this day's paper here. Search our archives for more here. Today's front page Get the full story: Read today's e-edition of the Free Press .
Winnipeg Free Press
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
What's up: Dirty Catfish Brass Band, night market, Ballet in the Park, Angela's Shadow, wildfire relief
SUPPLIED The Dirty Catfish Brass Band are at Blue Note Park tonight. SUPPLIED The Dirty Catfish Brass Band are at Blue Note Park tonight. Laissez les bons temps rouler avec le Dirty Catfish Brass Band, an ensemble that's been keeping Winnipeg dancing since its formation in 2011. This outdoor show — open to fans younger than 18 so long as they're with a parent or legal guardian — can serve as an introduction to the exciting world of New Orleans music, and might convince up-and-coming musicians to register for the brass band's summer camp program next month at the Winnipeg Conservatory of Music. From Aug. 18 to 22, students aged 13-19 with a minimum of one year's playing experience, can hone their skills on brass (trumpet, trombone, mellophone, sousaphone and tuba), saxophones, clarinets and drums, with guidance from the Dirty Catfish members. Registration is $375 at — Ben Waldman TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The first Manitoba Night Market at Assiniboia Downs was held in 2017. TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The first Manitoba Night Market at Assiniboia Downs was held in 2017. Manitoba Night Market returns Sunday with fun for all ages kicking off at 3 p.m. and carrying on into twilight. Over 140 vendors will be on hand peddling their wares, among them Hoovers' Cards, Blush Stitch Studio, Farmstead on the Red, Jacked Up Jill Coffee, Flying Pig Patch bakery, All For Loaves and Little Resin Heaven. There will be 20-plus food trucks on site serving up savoury and sweet treats, including Donut Forget Your Coffee, Tot Wheels, Wacky Waffles, Willy Dogs, The Churro Stop and Epic Street Grub. Wash down your street food with a cold one in the market's beer gardens, Manitoba Night Market will also feature live music stages as well as a kid zone full of all kinds of activities and games. For those looking for fresh ink, a tattoo pop-up will also be on site. Be sure to stick around after sunset to catch the fire show. Tickets for the rain-or-shine event are $10 at Showpass; parking is an additional $5. — Ben Sigurdson NIC ADAM / FREE PRESS FILES The Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Ballet in the Park returns to the Lyric Theatre for three nights starting Wednesday. NIC ADAM / FREE PRESS FILES The Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Ballet in the Park returns to the Lyric Theatre for three nights starting Wednesday. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Ballet in the Park is to summer in Winnipeg what Nutcracker is to winter: a beloved annual tradition. The annual al fresco performance is a once-a-season chance to watch the company and RWB School students perform for free, making it the perfect introduction to the art form. The two-hour mixed-repetroire program also means audiences will see a wide cross-section of ballet, from classical to contemporary. Program highlights include a remounting of Cameron Fraser-Monroe's groundbreaking T'əl: The Wild Man of the Woods, which made its world première at the Centennial Concert Hall in 2024. This is the first edition of Ballet in the Park under new artistic director Christopher Stowell, who will host. A suite of family-friendly activities are also on offer, including crafts and face painting, an interactive creative movement dance class led from the stage and food vendors. Registering for your free ticket at the RWB website will allow you to receive updates about what's happening before the show along with weather updates, since Ballet at the Park happens at the discretion of Mother Nature. You'll also be able to show your ticket at the information tent to receive a limited-edition button and be entered to win a full-season subscription. And be sure to go early to grab your spot on the lawn; this event is a popular one. — Jen Zoratti SUPPLIED Angela's Shadow stars Sera-Lys McArthur as Angela (left) and Renae Morriseau as her childhood nanny. SUPPLIED Angela's Shadow stars Sera-Lys McArthur as Angela (left) and Renae Morriseau as her childhood nanny. Ghostly premonitions, family secrets and racism drive the narrative of Angela's Shadow, an Indigenous thriller screening at Dave Barber Cinematheque. Set in Canada in the 1930s, the film follows Angela and Henry, a pair of young socialites with a baby on the way. Angela's previously unknown Cree ancestry is revealed during a visit to her childhood nanny's northern Ontario reserve. Supernatural encounters ensue and Henry's racism leads to a psychosis-fuelled murder plot. Angela's Shadow is director Jules Koostachin's second feature-length film. 'I wholeheartedly believe that Indigenous cinema is its own genre, a blend of comedy, sci-fi, drama, supernatural and thrillers. Our stories represent the strength of our diversity and our deep cultural connection to our communities,' Koostachin said in a media release. The Cree filmmaker and member of Attawapiskat First Nation will be in attendance for a Q&A on Saturday. — Eva Wasney SUPPLIED A wildfire south of Pimicikamak Cree Nation and the incorporated community of Cross Lake. SUPPLIED A wildfire south of Pimicikamak Cree Nation and the incorporated community of Cross Lake. As most readers know, Manitoba is in the midst of record-breaking forest fires. They've displaced more than 10,000 people. Lives have been lost, as have scores of homes as the fires have burned through over a million hectares so far. 'We need to get our people in hotels,' Garden Hill vice-chief Craig Munroe said last week; 4,000 people live in the remote First Nation, several hundred kilometers northeast of Winnipeg. 'It's coming so close to our houses and it's creeping into our community. I'm praying that it will not wrap around our whole community.' Munroe is organizing a fundraiser, which can be found online on GoFundMe as 'Garden Hill Anisininew Nation Fire Evacuation,' to help cover accommodations and essentials for displaced members of his community. These are just some of the ways people can support victims of the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires. The Canadian Red Cross and the Winnipeg Foundation also accept donations online, while the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, First Nations Family Advocate Office, Southern Chiefs' Organization, Morgan's Warriors accept non-perishable foods and other supplies at their sites. Check their websites for more info. — Conrad Sweatman
Business Wire
11-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Elegen and Nutcracker Therapeutics to Pilot First Fully Cell-Free Manufacturing Process for RNA-based Personalized Cancer Therapeutics
BUSINESS WIRE)-- Elegen, a global leader in next-generation DNA manufacturing, and Nutcracker Therapeutics, a global leader in next-generation RNA design and manufacturing, today announced the launch of a pilot program to demonstrate the industry's first fully synthetic, cell-free manufacturing platform for RNA-based personalized cancer therapeutics (PCTs). The pilot marks another step toward making PCTs more accessible, timely, and scalable. As late-stage PCT clinical trials progress and therapy developers work to create the next generation of PCTs, the speed, reliability, scaling and cost of traditional production methods pose a major challenge. Specifically, the first step of DNA template production is hindered by the use of bacterial cells in the process, which can be unreliable and introduce contamination that must be removed. The second step of GMP-grade RNA production from the template is impeded by a slow, unreliable, and inefficient process in which only one therapy can be made per GMP suite. Consequently, PCT production is slow, very costly, and does not scale for individualized therapies — a new manufacturing paradigm is needed. Nutcracker Therapeutic's NMU-Symphony™ system, the second generation of its Nutcracker® Manufacturing Unit (NMU), brings the fastest, most scalable, and cost-efficient GMP RNA manufacturing platform available today. Fully enclosed and built for speed, it reliably delivers clinical-grade PCTs consistent with just a three-week overall turnaround time, from RNA sequence design to released nanoparticle formulated drug product — cutting traditional timelines in half. By incorporating Elegen's cell-free GMP-ready DNA template production, the combination of the two platforms will enable an even faster and more scalable synthesis of longer, more complex neo-antigen sequences, while eliminating risks of bioburden and endotoxin contamination. With a faster, more reliable and lower-cost solution, Elegen and Nutcracker Therapeutics aim to democratize PCTs, making them accessible to more developers and saving critical time for cancer patients, where even days can make a meaningful impact. 'Integrating cell-free DNA with cell-free biochip-based RNA production gives researchers and partners worldwide access to a more reliable, streamlined, and cost-effective platform to rapidly test and advance new therapies,' said Matthew Hill, founder and CEO of Elegen. 'By eliminating cells from the process, we can accelerate the development and evaluation of new therapeutic modalities, helping patients receive treatment as quickly as possible.' 'We're not just improving our manufacturing process, we're laying the foundation to democratize PCTs with truly scalable solutions,' added Benjamin Eldridge, co-founder and chief technology officer of Nutcracker Therapeutics. 'Achieving that vision means giving developers the ability to produce clinical-grade RNA without investing hundreds of millions in infrastructure. This is a key step toward our mission of delivering scalable, low-cost, and rapid formulated RNA manufacturing for individualized therapies.' Elegen's cell-free ENFINIA DNA with an unparalleled combination of speed, length, accuracy and complexity integrates seamlessly with Nutcracker Therapeutics' existing RNA-based PCT development process, which leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies through its CodonCracker™ RNA design software, the NMU-Symphony™ microfluidics biochip-based system, and ProcessVision™ technology for real-time performance and quality monitoring. Combined, Elegen and Nutcracker Therapeutic's technologies enable the efficient, flexible, and GMP-ready production of individualized nanoparticle-formulated RNA therapeutics. About Elegen, Inc. Elegen brings unique insights and technical innovation to create high-quality synthetic DNA faster, catalyzing the next revolution in the life sciences. Elegen uses proprietary cell-free technologies to build longer, higher-quality DNA on a faster timeline for agricultural, chemical, healthcare and pharma industries. Founded in 2017, Elegen is privately held and based in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter). About Nutcracker Therapeutics, Inc. Nutcracker Therapeutics, Inc., is a biotechnology company that combines advanced engineering with high-precision biosynthesis to unlock the promise of RNA for therapeutic developers. The company's mission is to democratize safe and effective RNA-based personalized therapeutics through its complete technology platform, which encompasses the design, delivery, and manufacturing of RNA molecules. Armed with this high-tech advantage, Nutcracker Therapeutics' unique scalable RNA platform significantly reduces costs and cycle times, while maintaining the highest quality. For more information, visit
Time Magazine
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
The Top 10 Most Famous Ballets of All Time According to AI
This article is published by a partner of TIME. Ballet is one of the most enduring and enchanting art forms the world has ever seen. From its origins in the lavish courts of Renaissance Italy to its refinement in France and Russia, ballet has mesmerized audiences for centuries, and many timeless ballets continue to stand out and leave their mark. These performances have captured imaginations across generations and are celebrated for their intricate choreography, stunning music, and compelling storytelling. What makes a ballet truly iconic? It's not just the dance steps. It's a combination of music, artistry, costumes, and the ability to tell a story without uttering a single word. These ballets have transcended time, culture, and language, drawing fans into fantastical worlds filled with passion, tragedy, and wonder. From tragic swan maidens to fairytale kingdoms, these works represent the best of ballet's potential to create unforgettable experiences. So, whether you're curious about which productions deserve a spot on your must-see list or you're already reminiscing about your favorites, we've got you covered. Here are the top 10 most famous ballets of all time—selected based on research assistance from ChatGPT and a former professional ballet dancer—that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. 1. Swan Lake (1877) No list of famous ballets would be complete without 'Swan Lake.' Composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and first performed in 1877, it tells the story of Odette, a princess transformed into a swan by an evil sorcerer's curse. Odette's only chance at freedom lies in true love, but her hopes are dashed when the sorcerer's daughter, Odile, deceives Prince Siegfried. This timeless masterpiece is known for its emotional depth, intricate choreography, and the iconic white swan and black swan roles danced by the same ballerina. Premiere: March 4, 1877, at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow Choreographers: Originally Julius Reisinger; later reimagined by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Signature Scene: The mesmerizing "Dance of the Little Swans." Notable Character: Odile, the dark and cunning black swan. Famous Music: Tchaikovsky's hauntingly beautiful score. Cultural Impact: Has become synonymous with ballet itself and is often featured in films, commercials, and pop culture. 2. The Nutcracker (1892) Tchaikovsky strikes again with 'The Nutcracker,' a ballet that has become a holiday tradition worldwide. The story follows young Clara as her Nutcracker doll transforms into a prince, leading her on a magical journey through the Land of Sweets. Along the way, she encounters the Sugar Plum Fairy and a variety of delightful characters who dance in her honor. The ballet's vibrant, festive imagery and unforgettable music have made it a staple of the Christmas season. Controversies Surrounding The Nutcracker and Other Ballets While The Nutcracker remains beloved, it has also faced criticism for its portrayal of certain ethnic dances, such as the Arabian, Chinese, and Russian variations, which some argue perpetuate outdated stereotypes. These sections, often performed with exaggerated or culturally insensitive gestures and costumes, have prompted discussions about reimagining these moments to better reflect respect and authenticity. Similarly, other classic ballets like 'La Bayadère' and 'The Golden Cockerel' have been scrutinized for their depictions of non-European cultures, often through the lens of exoticism. These issues highlight the challenge of balancing historical fidelity with modern sensibilities in a way that honors the art form while fostering inclusivity and respect. 3. The Sleeping Beauty (1890) 'The Sleeping Beauty' is another Tchaikovsky classic, first performed in 1890. Based on Charles Perrault's fairy tale, it tells the story of Princess Aurora, who is cursed by the evil fairy Carabosse to prick her finger on a spindle and fall into a deep sleep. Only true love's kiss from Prince Désiré can awaken her and break the spell. This ballet is celebrated for its grandeur, stunning costumes, and demanding choreography, especially Aurora's iconic solos. Premiere: January 15, 1890, at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. Choreographer: Marius Petipa. Famous Scene: Aurora's breathtaking "Rose Adagio." Notable Character: Carabosse, the villainous fairy. Famous Music: Tchaikovsky's lush and sweeping orchestration. Legacy: Known as one of the most technically challenging ballets for dancers. 4. Giselle (1841) 'Giselle' is the quintessential Romantic ballet, first performed in 1841. It tells the tragic story of Giselle, a peasant girl who falls in love with Albrecht, a nobleman disguised as a commoner. When Giselle discovers Albrecht's engagement to another, she dies of a broken heart. In death, she joins the Wilis, ghostly spirits of betrayed brides who force men to dance until they perish. Despite her heartbreak, Giselle protects Albrecht from their vengeance. Premiere: June 28, 1841, at the Paris Opera Ballet. Choreographers: Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. Famous Scene: The ghostly Wilis' haunting dance in Act II. Notable Character: Myrtha, the Queen of the Wilis. Famous Music: Composed by Adolphe Adam. Cultural Influence: Often cited as one of the greatest Romantic-era ballets. 5. Don Quixote (1869) Based on Cervantes' novel, 'Don Quixote' brings joy, energy, and Spanish flair to the stage. First performed in 1869 with music by Ludwig Minkus, it follows the adventures of Kitri and Basilio, two lovers whose relationship is opposed by Kitri's father. With the eccentric Don Quixote and his loyal squire Sancho Panza entering the mix, hilarity, and romance ensue in this vibrant production. 6. Romeo and Juliet (1938) Sergei Prokofiev's 'Romeo and Juliet' brings Shakespeare's tragic love story to the ballet stage. First performed in 1938, the ballet follows the passionate yet ill-fated romance of Romeo and Juliet. Their love blossoms in defiance of their feuding families, the Capulets and Montagues, but ends in devastating tragedy. Premiere: December 30, 1938, in Brno, Czechoslovakia. Choreographer: Leonid Lavrovsky (original production). Famous Scene: The poignant Balcony Scene. Notable Characters: Romeo and Juliet. Famous Music: Prokofiev's "Dance of the Knights." Storyline: Stays true to Shakespeare's classic tragedy. 7. Coppélia (1870) 'Coppélia' is a lighthearted ballet filled with humor and charm. Premiering in 1870, it tells the story of Franz, a young man infatuated with a mysterious girl named Coppélia. When his fiancée Swanilda discovers that Coppélia is merely a lifelike doll created by Dr. Coppélius, she devises a clever plan to teach Franz a lesson. Premiere: May 25, 1870, at the Paris Opera Ballet. Choreographer: Arthur Saint-Léon. Famous Scene: Swanilda's comedic imitation of the doll. Notable Character: Dr. Coppélius, the eccentric toymaker. Famous Music: Composed by Léo Delibes. Tone: Known for its lighthearted and comedic storyline. 8. La Bayadère (1877) Set in exotic India, 'La Bayadère' tells the tale of Nikiya, a beautiful temple dancer, and her ill-fated love for Solor, a noble warrior. Betrayal, jealousy, and tragedy unfold, leading to the dreamlike "Kingdom of the Shades," where Nikiya's spirit haunts Solor for eternity. Premiere: February 4, 1877, at the Bolshoi Theatre. Choreographer: Marius Petipa. Famous Scene: "The Kingdom of the Shades." Notable Characters: Nikiya and Solor. Famous Music: Composed by Ludwig Minkus. Visuals: Stunning use of white tutus in a dreamlike setting. 9. Serenade (1934) 'Serenade,' choreographed by George Balanchine in 1934, is a landmark work that blends classical ballet tradition with Balanchine's emerging neoclassical style. Created as a teaching piece for his students at the School of American Ballet, it was his first ballet choreographed in America and remains one of his most celebrated works. Set to Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings in C, the ballet explores themes of beauty, emotion, and the interplay between music and movement. Premiere: March 1, 1935, in New York. Choreographer: George Balanchine. Famous Scene: The opening tableau of dancers with arms raised toward the sky, bathed in soft blue light. Notable Features: A seamless blend of narrative suggestion and abstract choreography. Famous Music: Tchaikovsky's lush and lyrical Serenade for Strings in C. Style: A quintessential example of neoclassical ballet, emphasizing purity of movement and musicality. 10. Firebird (1910) Stravinsky's 'Firebird' combines folklore and fantasy in a bold and colorful production. Premiering in 1910, it tells the story of Prince Ivan, who encounters the magical Firebird in a dark, enchanted forest. With the Firebird's help, Ivan defeats the evil sorcerer Kashchei and frees his prisoners, including a princess he falls in love with. Conclusion on Top 10 Ballets These ten ballets represent incredible artistry, storytelling, and musical brilliance in the world of dance. Each production, whether brimming with tragedy, magic, or humor, offers audiences an experience that lingers long after the curtain falls. From the emotional complexity of 'Swan Lake' to the holiday charm of 'The Nutcracker,' these works have left an indelible mark on ballet history. Whether you're a seasoned ballet lover or just beginning to appreciate this classic art form, these timeless performances are worth watching and revisiting. They remind us of the beauty of movement and music, and how powerful stories can be told without a single spoken word. Of course, opinions on what makes the best art or entertainment can vary, and everyone's perspective is unique and important. This list represents what ChatGPT has come up with, but ultimately, art is subjective, and each person's preferences and interpretations are what make the conversation around it so rich and diverse. Related Articles: About the Authors: Richard D. Harroch is a Senior Advisor to CEOs, management teams, and Boards of Directors. He is an expert on M&A, venture capital, startups, and business contracts. He was the Managing Director and Global Head of M&A at VantagePoint Capital Partners, a venture capital fund in the San Francisco area. His focus is on internet, digital media, AI and technology companies. He was the founder of several Internet companies. His articles have appeared online in Forbes, Fortune, MSN, Yahoo, Fox Business and Richard is the author of several books on startups and entrepreneurship as well as the co-author of Poker for Dummies and a Wall Street Journal-bestselling book on small business. He is the co-author of a 1,500-page book published by Bloomberg on mergers and acquisitions of privately held companies. He was also a corporate and M&A partner at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. He has been involved in over 200 M&A transactions and 250 startup financings. He can be reached through LinkedIn. Dominique Harroch is the Chief of Staff at She has acted as a Chief of Staff or Operations Leader for multiple companies where she leveraged her extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership to drive organizational success. With a background that spans over two decades in operations leadership, event management at her own start-up and marketing at various financial and retail companies. Dominique is known for her ability to optimize processes, manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. She holds a BA in English and Psychology from U.C. Berkeley and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. She can be reached via LinkedIn.
Wales Online
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
‘Bringer of joy' and choreographer Matthew Bourne earns City of London freedom
'Bringer of joy' and choreographer Matthew Bourne earns City of London freedom The recognition was for his achievements in contemporary dance, during a career spanning more than four decades, which has seen him enliven productions of Swan Lake, Edward Scissorhands and Nutcracker Choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne receiving a commemorative seat plaque in Birmingham Hippodrome from its Artistic Director and Chief Executive Fiona Allan (Image: BirminghamLive ) Choreographer and director Sir Matthew Bourne has been hailed as a "bringer of joy", after being awarded the freedom of the City of London. The recognition was for his achievements in contemporary dance, during a career spanning more than four decades, which has seen him enliven productions of Swan Lake, Edward Scissorhands and Nutcracker. At the ceremony at the Guildhall on Thursday, Sir Matthew, 65, said: "As a born Londoner, I am particularly thrilled to be receiving the freedom today. "As the proud son of two children of the Blitz, who lived just streets away from each other in Walthamstow E17, I have made London my home for my entire life. "It has been my playground, my workplace and the inspiration for many of the works that I have made throughout my career, including Cinderella, Oliver!, Mary Poppins, and even Swan Lake. "I am deeply honoured and grateful, and would like to thank Mark Lucraft and Fiona Adler for kindly nominating me for the freedom." Article continues below Recorder of London Mark Lucraft KC, and honorary secondary of London Fiona Adler, from the Old Bailey, nominated Sir Matthew. Sir Matthew has been an artistic director of Adventures in Motion Pictures, and dance company New Adventures, which he founded in 2002 and which specialises in contemporary dance. His productions include The Car Man, a reinterpretation of composer Georges Bizet's 1875 opera Carmen, Romeo And Juliet, Cinderella, Play Without Words, and The Red Shoes. For about three decades he has worked with theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh, and Sir Matthew has brought his flair to musicals such as Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady and Oliver! Deputy policy chairman of the City of London Corporation, James Thomson, said: "As well as a major exporter of British dance to the rest of the world, Matthew is also the bringer of much joy, with the ability to leave people walking on air as they file out of the theatre. "He is at the top of his game and is a very worthy recipient of the Freedom of the City of London, and I offer Matthew my warmest congratulations today, which will be echoed by his many millions of admirers." Sir Matthew was named the individual with the most Olivier Awards in 2020, when he received a ninth win. He also has two Tony Awards, for directing and choreographing Swan Lake, and received a special Olivier Award in 2019. Mr Lucraft said: "Matthew's consummate skill for reimagining storytelling through dance is evident, not just by how audiences are mesmerised, exhilarated and moved by his productions, featuring troupes of supremely gifted dancers, but also by his hugely impressive collection of national and international awards." Article continues below In 2001 Sir Matthew was made an OBE, and in 2016 was knighted in Queen Elizabeth II's New Year Honours, for services to dance. The tradition of the freedom of the city is believed to date back to 1237. Recent recipients include comedian Sir Lenny Henry, theatre owner and producer Sir Cameron, and Lady Mary Peters, who won an Olympic gold medal in the athletics pentathlon in 1972.
