Chicago Repertory Ballet tackles two Ballet Russes-Era ballets that feature deadly outcomes.
We all know the scheme by now: girl meets girl, girl commits and act of bravery, girl dances herself to death in a ritual sacrifice to the Earth. Simple ballet story line, right? And so it is with Wade Schaaf’s latest rendition of “Le Sacre Du Printemps” (The Rite of Spring). “I’ve always been very interested in the plot-line of this composition.” said Schaaf “I think it’s the interpersonal dynamics between the characters that interests me most. What motivates these people, and what causes them to go to such extremes?” It is a dramatic scheme that drives The Rite but not one that’s completely unrealistic. While it may seem fantastical for us to consider, we have seen countless examples of people going to extremes within their own tightly knit communities. “I’m always interested in capturing a sense of realism in my work. I want people to be able to relate to what they’re seeing on the stage, and perhaps see themselves in the characters.”
The Rite of Spring isn’t the only dance that deals with death on the program this July. CRB will feature one of ballet’s most famous stand-alone solos “The Dying Swan” on the program as well. This solo, famously danced by Anna Pavlova features a swan in its final moments. “It’s a sweet variation if not melodramatic. There’s something about the interplay of the swan as it passes on and this iconic music by Saint-Seäns that’s so very touching.” said Schaaf. “I’m really excited to bring this work which is so rarely performed to my stage in July.”
The Rite of Spring and Other Works will be performed July 23 - 25 in Chicago’s Montrose Harbor at Cricket Hill. Tickets range from premium seats at $45 to “pay what you can” seating on the hill.