James Bonas

James Bonas is a traditional storyteller for the modern era, combining imagination and intellect with a curiosity for technology and new forms, whether directing classical or contemporary theatre, opera, or dance. He read Psychology and Philosophy at Oxford University, prior to training as an actor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and developing his career as a director.

Bonas’s recent work in opera includes the world premiere of Isabelle Albouker’s L’Archipel(s), Bernstein’s Candide at Welsh National Opera, Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos and – with regular collaborator, animator Grégoire Pont – the French premiere of Abrahamsen’s Snow Queen for Opéra national du Rhin, winner of the French critics’ Best Scenic Elements/Scenography award 2022. Current projects include Stephen Sondheim’s Company for Génération Opéra, and new productions for both Gothenberg Opera and Theater Magdeburg.

Bonas also works in dance and enjoys ongoing collaborations with choreographers Helen Pickett and Sophie Laplane. Recent projects with Pickett include award-winning new ballets Emma Bovary and The Crucible. With Laplane he created the celebrated short film Dive for Scottish Ballet, which featured in dance film festivals worldwide including the 2021 Venice Biennale, and won the Grand Jury Prize at Cinedans 2022. New creations in 2024–25 include Lady Macbeth for Dutch National Ballet, Crime and Punishment for American Ballet Theatre and further collaborations with Scottish Ballet.

An advocate for multi-disciplinary performance, Bonas collaborated with Damon Albarn as Artistic Consultant on the creation of Le Vol du Boli at Théâtre du Châtelet. Working regularly at the BBC Proms, he has directed theatrical concerts with Aurora Orchestra of Berlioz, Stravinsky and Beethoven and a collaboration with Anthony Roth-Costanzo and ENO on Glass Handel at Print Works in London.