Join a pop brainwashing experiment that will blow your mind

Be dazzled by bright lights, superhuman dancing and pounding music. Relax in the reassuring glamour of beautiful bodies and the glittering lifestyles of music videos.

But what dark, ugly secrets lie behind the mask for the generations of young mainstream pop stars – and those who watch them?

MK ULTRA explores the the rise of a strange, dark myth of our time. How, as millions of young people turn away from the established political systems, they are embracing bizarre conspiracies that they see hidden like a secret code in the culture and music that surrounds them.
MK ULTRA mixes creator and choreographer Rosie Kay’s thoroughly researched exploration of the rise of the Illuminati conspiracy in modern culture with filmmaker Adam Curtis’ documentary elements to create a new kind of dance work.
MK ULTRA is visually arresting, with costumes from Lady Gaga’s designer Gary Card, a gold mirrored stage, hypnotic triangular projections by Louis Price, a pulsing soundtrack of American trap music and a mesmerising score by electro-acoustic composer Annie Mahtani.

What people are saying about Rosie Kay’s MK ULTRA

“Extraordinary....a super-saturated sensory feast of movement, sound and imagery”

★ ★ ★ ★ Financial Times

“Bold, slick dance piece exploring conspiracy theories and the Illuminati”

The Stage

“an unlikely but inspired pairing between choreographer Rosie Kay and documentary-maker Adam Curtis.”

Evening Standard

“an exceptionally stylish production”

The Guardian

Behind the scenes

Behind the scenes: the documentary elements

Rosie Kay is delighted to be working with television journalist Adam Curtis. MK ULTRA explores the strange and weird stories that have risen up on the internet.  Stories that millions of young people across the world have become fascinated by - as they turn away from...

Behind the scenes: the costumes

We worked with in-demand designer Gary Card to create the costumes for MK ULTRA. Although he’s collaborated with top names including Stella McCartney, Lady Gaga and Topshop, these were his first designs for contemporary dance so it was a real treat watching his ideas...

Behind the scenes: the projections

MK ULTRA is a highly visual production with an eye-catching glossy aesthetic. We needed a set designer with an eye for creating a world onstage that would draw the audience into this Illuminati-led industry bubble, so we asked Louis Price, a film director experienced...

Rosie Kay Dance Company creates brave new dance in Birmingham that tours to audiences at home and abroad. We thrill and move a diverse public with relevant, important, political and meaningful dance responding to contemporary society.

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Thanks to all our Crowdfunder supporters
Anderson, Anne Scott, Cath Kay, Chris Unitt, Christopher Kerry, Gregor Colville, Helen Kay, Jenny Smith, John Anderson, Natasha & Gavin, Richard Lee, Robert & Alison, Simon Broadbridge and anonymous donors.