By Eve Brody
Maria Caruso, the internationally celebrated dancer and choreographer, returns to her hometown of Pittsburgh with the highly anticipated premiere of her film Incarnation. Following the critically discussed stage performances at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Caruso now transitions her deeply personal solo work to the screen, debuting March 20th at McCandless Cinemark before streaming globally on Broadway on Demand starting March 24th.
Caruso, described by Times Square Chronicles as a “pioneer”, has continually redefined the boundaries between ballet, contemporary dance, and theatrical storytelling. Her work is known for being deeply personal and visually stunning, with Incarnation exploring themes of transformation, resilience, and self-discovery through evocative movement and minimalistic staging.
Performing the work at Theatre Royal Drury Lane was not only a creative milestone but also a historic one. Caruso became the first artist to present a solo dance show at the legendary theater since its opening in 1663. This was an extraordinary honor, especially in a venue revitalized by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose £40 million renovation has restored the space to its former glory. One critic noted the awe of experiencing Caruso’s performance within this “cathedral of the performing arts”, a testament to the prestige of the occasion.
Having previewed only a few excerpts from the film, one might say that Incarnation in its cinematic form expands on what the stage could only hint at. The film’s ability to capture every nuance of Caruso’s expression and movement will likely strengthen the work’s impact heightening both the intimacy and the grandeur of her performance.
The transition from stage to screen also opens the door for industry recognition beyond the dance world. While Incarnation’s London performances received mixed but generally favorable reviews, ranging from Spy in the Stalls four-star praise for Caruso’s “meticulous performance” to The Reviews Hub’s acknowledgment of its abstract yet powerful storytelling, one recurring observation was that the in-person experience felt like being part of a film set. Some critics noted that the audience’s presence seemed secondary to the filming process, emphasizing the production’s ultimate focus on reaching a global audience.
With Incarnation’s emphasis on cinematic storytelling, an Olivier Award nomination for dance may not have been on the table this year, but given the projected strength of the film, an Emmy nod is more likely. The recent lead in Oscar nominations for Emilia Pérez, a film celebrated for its dance-centric storytelling, signals a growing recognition of movement-based narratives in major awards circuits. Given this shift, Caruso’s work could be a strong contender for future acknowledgements.
The Pittsburgh premiere is more than just a film screening; it’s a homecoming and a celebration of Caruso’s impact on both local and international dance communities. The evening will feature a VIP gathering, where Caruso will be joined by 21-year-old Pittsburgh native Ryan Onestak, whose emotive score for Incarnation has been praised for its seamless integration with her choreography.
Beyond the film premiere, Caruso will embark on an international tour, bringing Incarnation to audiences in South America, Italy, England, and Israel. Yet, Pittsburgh remains the heart of her artistic mission despite her bi-costal lifestyle and global initiatives. Through her company Bodiography and her mentorship at La Roche University, Caruso continues to cultivate the next generation of artists while pushing the boundaries of dance on a global scale.
For those who missed the West End performances, Incarnation on screen may offer an even more immersive experience – one that underscores why Caruso remains at the forefront of contemporary dance innovation.
Incarnation will be available for streaming starting March 24th on Broadway on Demand, with additional platforms to follow.
This article, written by Eve Brody, was published by Rachel Hamilton.