“You have to show up like the devil in person,” German choreographer Marco Goecke told Pacific Northwest Ballet dancer Ezra Thomson.
Thomson is among the cast in the world premiere of Goecke’s “Place a Chill,” a highlight of PNB’s “Contemporary 4” program, which opens tonight and runs through March 27.
Set to Camille Saint-Saens’ “Cello Concerto No. 1,” the dance was inspired by the story of the renowned cellist Jacqueline du Pre. She was forced by multiple sclerosis to stop playing and the concerto was her last recording. Du Pre lost control of her body’s movements and died at age 42 in 1987, while confined to a wheelchair.
Goecke has the dancers shaking, quivering and fluttering, echoing du Pre’s disease.
In a local premiere, PNB will perform “Concerto DSCH” by Russian choreographer Alexei Ratmansky. The dance is said to have nonstop energy and be full of playful surprises.
“Pacific” is Seattle-area native Mark Morris’ gorgeous production where the dancers wear flowing skirts that float and undulate like the dance’s namesake.
Finally, “The Piano Dance” is set to 10 works for solo piano by five composers who represent more than a century of composing. But American choreographer Paul Gibson finds common ground in the musical expression and gives the dancers a series of solos, duets and pas de trois.
In contrast to these mature and abstract dances, PNB’s family matinee series begins Sunday with “Pinocchio.”
More than 70 students from PNB’s ballet school are featured in the three performances of this new, hourlong production by Bruce Wells based on the original story by Carlo Collodi.
There’s Geppetto, the carpenter who gives form to the famous puppet, plus a puppet circus and a fantastical cast of characters. And, of course, there’s Pinocchio, who must save his father from a whale.
“Contemporary 4” opens at 7:30 tonight and continues at 7:30 p.m. March 19, 24, 25 and 26; 2 p.m. March 19 and 1 p.m. March 27.
Tickets start at $27. Go to www.pnb.org or call 206-441-2424.
“Pinocchio” will be performed at noon and 3:30 p.m. March 20 and 2 p.m. March 26.
Tickets start at $20 for children, $22 for adults. Go to www.pnb.org or call 206-441-2424.
Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3447; jholtz@heraldnet.com.
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