The Cure ‘Siamese Twins’ – a post-punk ballet
This was a pilot project I designed for BBC2's Riverside programme with Robert Smith and The Cure in collaboration with Souxie and the Banshees’ Steve Severin and their on-going project ‘The Glove’. It was based on Jean Cocteau’s ‘Les Enfants Terribles’ and continued my work with Royal Ballet choreographer Nicholas Dixon.
Lol Tolhurst on drums, and Anne Stephenson and Virginia Hewes (Ginni Ball) of The Venomettes on violins. March 1983.
Dancers: Sharon (now Elizabeth) MacGorian and Stephen Beagley (Royal Ballet)
Sharon was wearing my Grandmother’s pleated 1940's black skirt. It moved so perfectly... and I’ve still got it!
from 'Ten Imaginary Years' book:
On his return to London, he was approached by Nicholas Dixon, a young choreographer with the Royal Ballet, and asked to write the music for 'Les Enfants Terible'. Robert was intrigued but hesitant so as a test, he suggested they try out a choreographed Cure song. A spot was offered on BBC 2's Riverside and, with Lol on drums, Severin disguised under a hat on bass and the Venomettes on strings, Robert played 'Siamese Twins' live in the studio while two dancers danced. It was an interesting if not entirely successful experiment, and the ballet project was indefinitely shelved.
from 'A Visual Documentary' book:
Robert returns to London with the Banshees, and is approached by Royal Ballet choreographer Nicholas Dixon to score 'Les Enfants Terrible'. Robert suggests they first try working on a lesser project, choreographing 'Siamese Twins' (from the 'Pornography' album) for the BBC TV programme Riverside. With Lol on keyboards Steve Severin on bass and Marc Almond's Venomettes on backing vocals, the song is performed live and greeted with considerable critical acclaim. Neither Robert nor Dixon are fully satisfied, however, and the ballet is put on ice.
