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Ballet 5:8, a female and minority-led premiere ballet company recognized for artistic excellence, innovation and beauty, is set to premiere its groundbreaking new production, "La Llorona," at the Harris Theater during Hispanic Heritage Month on October 5th and 6th (Tickets $10-75). This reimagined take on the traditional Mexican myth delves into the profound and often overlooked issue of postpartum depression, offering a poignant and hopeful narrative that resonates deeply with contemporary audiences.
"La Llorona," choreographed by Ballet 5:8's Artistic Director and mother of three, Julianna Rubio Slager, explores the story of Maria, a woman condemned to wander the Earth in search of her lost children after drowning them in a fit of rage and jealousy. However, Slager's interpretation seeks to uncover the layers of Maria's suffering, and imagine a world where Maria gets help and support while bearing the weight of postpartum depression—a condition that affects approximately 15% of births, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Slager's personal experience with postpartum depression after the births of her second and third children inspired this production. "To me, Maria is a person not unlike myself—a Latina who also struggles under the pressure of Marianisma and the need to present a perfect and polished figure," says Slager. "Tragically, in the traditional myth, Maria never gets help and breaks under that pressure. This ballet imagines a better world for Maria, validating her pain and offering hope on the other side of sadness."
The National Museum of Mexican Art is a presenting sponsor for this evocative work, embedding it within the rich tapestry of Mexican cultural heritage. Additionally, RAICES Chicago Story Coalition is providing support in chronicling and archiving the research, creation, and presentation of "La Llorona," ensuring it serves as a source of inspiration for other Latine artists.
During an open rehearsal for the community, Andy Boeta, marketing manager of the local Chamber of Commerce, remarked, "Ballet 5:8's take on the tale brings a whole new aspect onto the table. They are retelling the story, without changing the main idea of it, in a different way to convey a very important matter—mental health."
This production aims to foster greater awareness of postpartum depression and provide language for caregivers to understand its implications, particularly within Black and Hispanic communities. Dr. Cheryl Tatano Beck, a leading researcher on postpartum depression, has praised the project, stating, "I am blown away. It will help so many other people who do not know the depths of despair that postpartum depression can bring to the mother and her family."
Audiences are invited to witness this compelling performance at the Harris Theater on Saturday, October 5th at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 6th at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are available through the Harris Theater. To learn more about the production, visit www.ballet58.org/la-llorona/.
About Ballet 5:8
Ballet 5:8 is a female and minority-led premiere ballet company recognized for artistic excellence, innovation and beauty. Mexican American Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager is a 2023 National Visiting Fellow for the School of American Ballet and a finalist for the Chicago Dancemakers Forum. She creates dynamic ballet experiences drawing from life, faith, and diverse perspectives that tell relevant stories for the 21st century.
Ballet 5:8 is a resident company at the Harris Theater in Chicago and has been featured in Dance Magazine, Modern Luxury, WGN, ABC, FOX and NBC. The company tours nationally and offers robust opportunities for outreach to bring this beautiful art form to new communities around the country.