Pennsylvania Ballet to push boundaries with Forsythe & Neenan
Jan 14th, 2012 | By Steven Weisz | Category: Archived Articles
Principal Dancer Riolama Lorenzo and Soloist Jermel Johnson in Matthew Neenan’s Keep. Photo: Alexander Iziliaev.
Pennsylvania Ballet presents Pushing Boundaries: Forsythe & Neenan, a dynamic program of three contemporary works, February 9-12, 2012 at the Merriam Theater at 250 South Broad Street.
“Our dancers have an incredible ability to master not only the classics, but also contemporary work,” Artistic Director Roy Kaiser says. “This program showcases both their athleticism and dramatic talents in a beautiful way.”
William Forsythe’s powerhouse The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude returns to Pennsylvania Ballet’s stage after an exhilarating Company premiere last February. Five dancers interpret the last movement of Schubert’s Ninth Symphony with seemingly incomprehensible speed and precision.
Choreographer in Residence Matthew Neenan creates poignant magic with his acclaimed work, Keep. Commissioned in 2009, Keep delves into the challenges of love and relationships through passionate pas de deux. An intimate, sensitive piece, Keep features vibrant costumes designed by former Principal Dancer Martha Chamberlain.
Mr. Neenan completes the evening with 11:11, set to six songs from singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright. In earth-toned costumes also designed by Ms. Chamberlain, the cast of twenty performs to such sultry songs as “Vibrate” and “Greek Song” and the engaging melodies “Poses” and “Oh What a World.”
Pushing Boundaries: Forsythe & Neenan will be the last chance to see Principal Dancer Riolama Lorenzo perform. After 15 years on stage, Ms. Lorenzo will retire with a performance of Mr. Neenan’s Keep on Sunday, February 12 at 2 p.m. Ms. Lorenzo will also be the guest speaker at the next Conversations with Pennsylvania Ballet – a free, public discussion series – on Monday, January 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Philadelphia City Institute Library at 19th & Locust Streets.
Tickets to Pushing Boundaries: Forsythe & Neenan are on sale now, with prices ranging from $20 to $140. Tickets are available online at paballet.org, by phone at 215.893.1999, and in person at the Kimmel Center Box Office.
Pushing Boundaries: Forsythe & Neenan performances at the Merriam Theater:
- Thursday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, February 11 at 2 p.m.
- Saturday, February 11 at 8 p.m.
- Sunday, February 12 at 2 p.m.
