Photo: Andrew Eccles
RECOMMENDED
The world-renowned Ailey company will stop in Chicago for a rigorous week-and-a-half of performances, allotting them time to showcase old and new, American and European, contemporary and modern, narrative and abstract, jazz, classical, gospel, pop and hip-hop. The programs slated for Ailey’s ten-day run are an ambitious collection of eight stylistically diverse pieces spanning decades and continents. Highlights? Hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris’ gospel-house scored “Home,” inspired by people living with HIV; the first performance of “The Lion King” choreographer Garth Fagan’s “From Before” by a company besides his own; and the first time the Ailey dancers perform “Petite Mort” by Jiri Kylian, the influential director of Nederlands Dans Theatre. The company will also reprise “Minus 16” by Ohad Naharin, which they danced with ferocity, playfulness and disarming wit last year. There’s a new one by up-and-comer Kyle Abraham, and old one by artistic director Robert Battle, a seminal piece by Ronald K. Brown and, of course, Ailey’s gospel masterpiece “Revelations,” which closes each night. (Sharon Hoyer)
At the Auditorium Theatre, 50 East Congress, (800)982-2787. Friday, March 8-Sunday, March 17. $32-$92.
Related Stories
Unfading Spirit, Enduring Impact: A Preview of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Sixtieth Anniversary at the Auditorium Theatre The iconic company celebrates its sixtieth anniversary with three unique programs featuring classic works and world premieres.- Kinetic Signature: A Preview of Hubbard Street Dance at the Auditorium Theatre Hubbard Street Dance's fortieth anniversary season and the Auditorium Theatre's "Made in Chicago" series intersect with a special program dedicated to Hubbard Street's first and only resident choreographer, Alejandro Cerrudo.
- These Golden Years: A Preview of A Golden Celebration of Dance at the Auditorium Theatre The Auditorium Theatre looks back at the history of its efforts to showcase dance.
- Perception Is Reality: A Preview of the Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg’s “The Pygmalion Effect” at the Auditorium Theatre Boris Eifman reimagines this antiquated tale through his unique, sensationalistic style of psychological ballet theater that philosophizes about the complex, emotional realities of human existence.
- American Nightmare: A Review of Welcome to Jesus at American Theater Company This world premiere from Janine Nabers marks Will Davis' most daring directorial work to date at his new home company.
- Out of Darkness: A Preview of Giordano Dance at the Harris Theater Miranda Davis' new piece about hope in the face of adversity is the latest in a series of commissions intended to push the company’s boundaries and explore the intersections of jazz, modern and contemporary aesthetics.
