London, 1945. Conscripted at the height of his career at the Royal Ballet, Cyrus struggles to rebuild his life after
losing his dreams to war when he’s offered a teaching post for the company's post-war debut.
Soloist is a haunting feature set in post-war London, capturing the struggle for identity and redemption
in the shadows of a CITY rebuilding itself from the ruins of war.
In the aftermath of World War II, 1940s London was a city scarred by conflict but driven by a determination to
rebuild after the Blitz had left entire neighbourhoods in ruins. The Royal Ballet became a symbol of post-war renewal.
Under the direction of Dame Ninette de Valois, the company rose to prominence, offering Londoners an escape through performances that celebrated both classical tradition and modern creativity. Dancers like Margot Fonteyn became national
icons, embodying the grace and strength that audiences craved during a time of profound uncertainty.
For many in London, ballet was not just an art form but a statement of cultural survival. This era saw ballet as a popular
and accessible art with new choreographies reflecting the optimism and struggles of post-war society. Productions like
“The Sleeping Beauty,” which reopened the Royal Opera House in 1946 before the royal family, were seen as metaphors
for the city itself—wounded but ready to reawaken.
The ballet scene in post-war London also attracted international attention, establishing the city as a global centre for dance.
With a growing network of schools and studios, a new generation of dancers and choreographers emerged,
eager to contribute to this cultural revival.
The feature script is a quarter-finalist in the Outstanding Screenplays Feature Competition.
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