: The stage is defined by the iconic blood-red costumes for the Handmaids, designed by Liz Vandal and Marie Chouinard , which stand out against the oppressive, minimalist atmosphere of the Republic of Gilead.

: Lila York’s style for this production is described as angular and bold , prioritizing high stylization and abstraction over the "ethereal" grace typical of classical ballet.

: While abstract, the ballet remains action-driven, making the primary story of Offred and Moira easy to follow as they navigate their forced roles in a patriarchal theonomic state. Artistic Themes & Performance

“Indeed, The Handmaid's Tale pushes the limits of the story ballet, eschewing the ethereal and escapist for the angular and bold... It's a highly stylized and abstract interpretation.” Winnipeg Free Press · 3 years ago

The ballet emphasizes the central message of Atwood’s work—the moral and political wrong of controlling women’s reproductive freedom.