Saigon Classical x From Alpha to Opera
collaborated with support from Goethe-Institut Ho Chi Minh City, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in HCMC with licensing from Beta Cinema GmbH responsible for worldwide distribution

introduce
FINAL EVENING, film première of the ballet biopic: JOHN CRANKO

Cinematic feature film by Joachim A. Lang, with English actor Sam Riley as the titular John Cranko. Dancers of Cranko’s temporaries were portrayed by real life professional dancers of The Stuttgart Ballet.

The film was first released in limited theatres in Germany in October 2024. Worldwide distribution from 2025.

SCREENING MATERIAL IS NOT SUITABLE FOR AUDIENCE UNDER 12 YEARS OF AGE

In the project: From Alpha to Opera – introducing famous operas with Vietnamese and English subtitles.

LOCATION: Outdoor space of German Consulate Residence | 257 Hoàng Văn Thụ, Tân Xuân Hòa Ward, HCMC
TIME: 7:00PM – 9:45PM – Saturday, 18 April 2026 (reception and door open from 18:00)
REGISTER ONLINE, free of charge: https://quickom.net/event/6244
(Free entry, but prior registration is required for seating arrangement)

The film tells the story of the legendary choreographer John Cranko (1927-1973), who came to Stuttgart in 1960 and revolutionized ballet. Despite hostility in London because of his homosexuality, Cranko found creative freedom in Stuttgart. With his unconventional style and successes such as "Romeo and Juliet", he conquered the audience, but his fame concealed a deep loneliness. His rise to the top of the international ballet scene, including the New York Met Opera, was accompanied by personal loss. Director Joachim A. Lang portrays Cranko's eventful life, in which the Stuttgart Ballet plays a central role.

A cinematic, dance-infused tribute to the virtuoso choreographer who became a pop star on the world's greatest ballet stages (‘Ingenious and breathtaking,' The New York Times). Sam Riley ("Control", “Maleficent”) delivers a profoundly moving performance, seamlessly navigating the dark depths and creative frenzy of his character.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtmF2wRheHM

This screening has been granted licence by rights holder Beta Cinema GmbH to From Alpha to Opera project, in partnership with Saigon Classical Music Group. Licensing fees are supported by Goethe-Institut Ho Chi Minh City.

The translation and localisation of materials (including programme notes, printed handouts and subtitles) into Vietnamese are performed by volunteers with the sole purpose of promoting classical music and increasing awareness of high standard quality worldwide operatic performances. We endeavour to credit appropriate creators of these materials and organisations involved. The screening is non-commercial and non-profit.