Festival Ballet Providence to Continue Season with UP CLOSE ON HOPE Series

Festival Ballet Providence's (FBP) 38th Season continues with the final program of its popular U p Close on Hope series, presented in the intimate setting of the FBP Black Box Theatre. Season after season, audiences continue to be drawn to the unique perspective of the venue and the provocative works presented there. This program ­ a double­bill evening showcasing back­to­back one­act world premieres of rich, passionate storytelling ­ runs over two weekends, March 4­13, 2016. Tickets are $50 and include an intermission reception with complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres from local restaurants. Up Close on Hope, Program 2 is presented by T Z Studio.

Adapted from the play of the same name by Spanish dramatist Federico Garci?a Lorca, the ballet is a contemporary retelling of the chilling narrative of captivity and passion. Artistic director M ihailo "Misha" Djuric said, "many choreographers in Europe take on the challenge of telling this gripping story as a ballet. In fact, I think it is more powerful as a ballet than a stage play. But it is not often seen in the United States in this form which is why I'm thrilled to see it come to life on our stage." FBP's new adaptation brings together film, music, and dance to create an immersive experience for the audience. "This kind of multidisciplinary approach is something that thrills us as artists and creators," said Djuric, adding, "it also allows the audience to be immersed in the story and come away with a more profound experience."

Plotnikov's ballet tells the story of a domineering matriarch whose relentless control over her mother and five daughters descends into an explosion of tension, violence, and sexual rage. As in previous collaborations, FBP has commissioned a new score for the ballet by composer S onya Belousova whose composition is at once eerie and thrilling, providing a backdrop for Plotnikov's exciting ballet to unfold. An experienced team, Plotnikov and Belousova worked together previously on O rchis and Surrogate. The collaboration will also include film elements by director S haun Clarke, which will be projected on stage during the ballet, providing a new perspective and heightening the sensory and emotional experience. "I love watching the creative partnership between Viktor, Sonya, and Shaun play out," Djuric said. "They are three artists at the top of their game and I think our audience really respects that."

Completing the double­bill is a new ballet from G ianni de Marco, Lady of the Camellias. Pulled from the pages of Dumas' tale of romance and tragedy, the story is well­matched for Di Marco's neoclassical, romantic style. "For several years I have been trying to talk Gino into creating this ballet for our company in the intimate setting of the Black Box and I'm thrilled that finally he agreed to take this project on." Djuric said. "This story in particular brings out Gianni's natural talent for charismatic drama and storytelling." Selections from concertos by romantic composer Franz Schubert set the tone for the story of Marguerite Gautier, a French courtesan and socialite whose illicit romance with Armand Duval spirals into betrayal, while a debilitating illness consumes her. Djuric said of the story, "it's the kind of drama that audiences crave and I promise it will have you on the edge of your seat."

Tickets are available online at festivalballetprovidence.org, by phone 401­353­1129, or in person at FBP's location at 825 Hope St., Providence RI.

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