THE JOFFREY BALLET KICKS OFF 2022-23 SEASON WITH BEYOND BORDERS

THE JOFFREY BALLET KICKS OFF 2022-23 SEASON WITH BEYOND BORDERS

 The Joffrey Ballet proudly launches its 2022-23 season with Beyond Borders, a mixed repertory program that pays tribute to the Jof frey’s maverick legacy with works by artists of its past and present. A highlight of Beyond Borders is sure to be a second new work commissioned from in-demand choreographer Chanel DaSilva in addition to the return of favorites by critically acclaimed
choreographer Liam Scarlett and beloved Joffrey co-founder
Gerald Arpino marking the start of his centennial celebration. Pushing the boundaries of dance and classical ballet,
Beyond Borders will be presented at the historic L yric Opera
House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago,
in ten performances only, from Oct. 12-23.

Following her powerful company debut in 2021 with
Swing Low, DaSilva returns to the Joffrey with a second
original creation for Beyond Borders. One of the most
exciting on-the-rise artists working today, DaSilva excelled
her career in 2020 via Joffrey’s celebrated Winning Works
series supporting up-and-coming BIPOC choreographers
with B O R D E R S, a provocative contemporary work that
imagined the boundaries—both literal and figurative—that
people place on themselves and others. For Beyond Borders,
DaSilva explores questions of good, evil, and compromise
through the lens of color and its influential effects on human
emotions, psyche, and spirituality. She has worked closely
with artists of the Joffrey to create this work which features
an original, cinematic score by Cristina Spinei, DaSilva’s
constant creative collaborator for over ten years starting
from their time studying at The Julliard School. Presented
with a contemporary stage setting and bold costumes, the
new work will display both DaSilva’s inspirational storytelling
prowess and Joffrey Company Artists’ immense emotional
and spiritual availability.

Beyond Borders displays a wide range of creative expression, continuing with Joffrey co-founder Arpino’s Suite Saint-Saëns, weaving classical movement with the late choreographer’s signature neo-classical style of speed, energy, and quality. With its lilting score, this American masterwork was once described by choreographer Agnes DeMille as like “standing in a flight of meteors.”

Illuminated under the subtle glow of intricate chandeliers,
with chic costumes designed by the late choreographer
himself, Scarlett’s Vespertine puts a modern twist on the ro -
mantic era of the late 18th century. With Vespertine, the late
choreographer takes inspiration from the great Baroque era
artist Caravaggio in this hypnotic performance of stylistic
sensualism and elegance. His dynamic technique provides
elements of bright rays of light and darkening shadows.

Single tickets start at $36 and are available for purchase
at Lyric Opera Box Office located at 20 N. Upper Wacker
Dr. and by telephone at 312.386.8905, or online at joffrey.
org. 

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