The Joffrey Ballet opened its 69th season with the North American premiere of Cathy Marston's "Atonement." (Photo by Admill Kuyler courtesy of The Joffrey Ballet)
The Joffrey Ballet opened its 69th season with the North American premiere of Cathy Marston’s poignant interpretation of Ian McEwan’s 2001 novel-turned-Academy Award®-winning film Atonement.
The full-length narrative ballet follows Briony Tallis, revealed in the book as its author and now portrayed as a celebrated choreographer, as she grapples with the haunting echoes of her past through a breathtaking dance of redemption.
Marston’s adaptation unfolds the tragic love story of Briony’s older sister, Cecilia, against the historical backdrop of 1935 England to explore the intricate layers of societal norms and the enduring impact of a single lie. Enveloped in Laura Rossi’s evocative musical score, with dynamic choreography portraying the complexities of self-deception, the transformation of memory, and the weight of guilt, Atonement shares an emotionally charged experience with a startling twist finale that will linger in the soul.
Atonement will be at the Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive, now through October 27. Atonement is a co-production with Ballett Zürich and features live music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet.
Arts critic Lauren Warnecke said in a recent Chicago Tribune review: "Sweeping, powerfully dynamic, and honestly brilliant group scenes layering World War II battlefields and the ballet studio or depicting the wavering hopefulness of wartime nurses and beleaguered soldiers...And then there's a meticulously crafted pas de deux for Amanda Assucena and Alberto Velazques. That scene is the best and most thrilling of Marston's oeuvre this critic has seen- possibly the best of her career thus far."
Title: The Joffrey Ballet presents Cathy Marston’s Atonement
Dates: Now through Sunday, October 27, 2024
Thursday, October 24 at 7:30 pm; Friday, October 25 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, October 26 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm; and Sunday, October 27 at 2:00 pm.
Location: Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive
Box Office: 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.
(This article was updated on 10/22/24)
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