Opening next week is Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Light in the Dark program featuring four ballets linked by their stories of tragedy, hope, and the human connection.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's Light in the Dark Program
Light in the Dark is anchored by the world premiere of Jennifer Archibald’s Sounds of the Sun.
This documentary-based contemporary ballet celebrates the life and bravery of Florence Waren, a Jewish dancer who lived in Paris during World War II, and worked with the French Resistance.
The ballet is presented in partnership with Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh; one of the collection’s violins will be played on stage by Rachel Stegeman, PBT Orchestra’s co-leader.
Also featured on the program is the company premiere of Barak Marshall’s Monger which is a gripping narrative that delves deep into the lives of a group of domestic workers and their harrowing journey as they try to survive the confines of an abusive employer’s house.
Rounding out Light in the Dark are two pas de deux – Loss by Sasha Janes, which explores the theme of grief, and Lacrimosa by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, a work inspired by Baroque religious iconography.
All performances of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Light in the Dark Program will be held at the Byham Theater.
- Friday, October 27, 2023 @ 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 28, 2023 @ 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 29, 2023 @ 2:00 p.m.
Complementing the shows are several events:
Virtual Preview | Details TBA
Performance Preview | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 6:30 – 7 p.m.
Choreographers discuss their works and answer questions.
Artist Q&A | Saturday, Oct. 28 | After the performance
PBT artists talk about their roles in the performance, working with the choreographers, and the journey of preparing for a production. The panel also includes Sandy Rosen, chair of Violins of Hope Pittsburgh and PBT artistic director Adam W. McKinney.
Curtain Up! | Sunday, Oct. 29 | 1 p.m.
A talk with Rachel Stegeman, PBT Orchestra’s co-leader and Adjunct Professor of Strings, Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University, about her performance in Sounds of the Sun. The violin is one of the featured instruments in the Violins of Hope project and exhibition. This program begins with the audience observing 15 minutes of company class on stage.
PBT Announces First Ever Residence Choreographers
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre also announced that for the first time in the company’s history, it will have not one – but two – resident choreographers, both dancers with PBT.
During this season, principal dancer Yoshiaki Nakano will collaborate with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for a production and in the 2024-2025 season, he will primarily work with the PBT School.
Inversely, soloist William Moore will focus on creating with the school this season and then shift to the company for 2024-2025.
“Yoshi and Will are extremely talented choreographers with considerable experience in creating meaningful and inspiring work. I am absolutely delighted to appoint them as PBT’s inaugural choreographers-in-residence, and I am excited to see and support the amazing ballets they will create.” – Adam W. McKinney
Featured Photo for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre‘s Light in the Dark Program of Soloist Jessica McCann. Photo by Rieder Photography.
