Hamburg Ballet Presents John Neumeier's THE LITTLE MERMAID, 3/28-4/2

Germany's internationally renowned Hamburg Ballet returns to the Kennedy Center after 13 years with Director and Chief Choreographer John Neumeier's contemporary retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, for seven performances in the Opera House, March 28-April 2, 2017. A dark, probing exploration of a young woman who risks everything-rejection, alienation, even physical pain-to follow her heart, the production features striking costumes and scenery by Neumeier, inspired in part by traditional Japanese theater, and an original commissioned score by acclaimed modern Russian-American composer Lera Auerbach. The Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra will accompany all performances.

The visually stunning work of drama and dance is a haunting tale of two divergent worlds: the serenity and simplicity of underwater life and the complex, often absurd, flamboyant lives of humans. Masterfully interweaving elements of Andersen's own biography with the story, Neumeier makes the author a figure in the ballet. The Mermaid's feelings and her tragic destiny become a reflection of Andersen's own longing. Traveling through both worlds, she endures torment because of her committed love for a prince and ultimately transcends the barrier-but only through her own strength in the end.

The Hamburg Ballet has achieved a reputation as one of the world's most outstanding dance companies. International tours have made it not only a highlight of the international ballet scene, but also one of Germany's most important cultural ambassadors. The heart of the company is Artistic Director and Chief Choreographer John Neumeier, who has directed the company since 1973. John Neumeier is a master at combining classical ballet tradition with contemporary forms in his works, while developing a unique personal choreographic language. His ballets range from new versions of evening-length story ballets to musicals and symphonic ballets, especially those based on Gustav Mahler's compositions, as well as his choreographies to sacred music. His latest creations for the Hamburg Ballet include Duse in 2015 and Turangalîla in 2016. Although the company performs at the Hamburg State Opera, its creative home, rehearsal venue, and educational center is the Hamburg Ballet Centre, which opened in 1989. The Ballet Centre is also the home of the National Youth Ballet, founded by Neumeier in 2011.

Funding Credits:

Support for Ballet at the Kennedy Center is generously provided by

Elizabeth and Michael Kojaian.

International Programming at the Kennedy Center is made possible through the generosity of the Kennedy Center International Committee on the Arts.

Ticket Information

Tickets start at $29. Tickets can be purchased at the Kennedy Center Box Office or by calling Instant-Charge at (202) 467-4600. Patrons living outside the Washington metropolitan area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324. For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540.

Performance Schedule

HAMBURG BALLET
John Neumeier, Director and Chief Choreographer

The Little Mermaid
Choreography, staging, set, costumes, and light design by John Neumeier

Music by Lera Auerbach

with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra
conducted by Luciano Di Martino

Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 30, 2017, at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 31, 2017, at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 1, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 2, 2017, at 1:30 p.m.

This production is recommended for children age 10 and up.

(Photo Credit: Hamburg Ballet)

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