Sat 2/26 @ 7:30PM
As part of Cleveland Public Theatre’s annual DanceWorks series, Verb Ballets recently presented a preview of its newly commissioned version of Romeo and Juliet. “The choreographer and artists will explore the new production on stage ahead of its world premiere, transforming the work each night as the performers adapt the story to the stage,” the promotion for that performance said.
Now that world premiere is taking place this weekend at E.J. Thomas Hall on the University of Akron campus. The full-length ballet was commissioned by the ensemble from internationally noted choreographer Joshua L. Peugh, who is also the founder/artistic director of Dark Circles Contemporary Dance and co-founder of the Dallas-based Theater ensemble Fair Assembly. He gives the work a contemporary spin “reflecting our current political and social reality.” It will feature music performed by pianist Nathan Carterette.
“Peugh takes adventurous approach to exploring the intersecting themes of freedom and mortality, while reflecting poignant issues of our current political and social reality,” the company says. “The ballet moves audiences to understand movement as a universal language—accessible to all. Through his work, Peugh aims for audiences to connect, interact, and react to one another in the depths of our humanness.”
Tickets are $30. Get them here.
Verb Ballets: Romeo and Juliet