The Joffrey Ballet opens its 2019-20 season with the Chicago premiere of Cathy Marston’s enthralling adaptation of the classic novel, Jane Eyre, presented at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, in 10 performances only, October 16-27, 2019. The 2019-20 season marks the Joffrey’s final season at the Auditorium Theatre. The Company moves to the Lyric Opera House with the start of the 2020-2021 season.
View video trailer at http://www.joffrey.org/jane
Presented in partnership with American Ballet Theatre and set to music by Philip Feeney, Marston’s celebrated adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel combines theater and dance to tell the coming-of-age story of one of literature’s most iconic characters.
This production of Jane Eyre challenges the idea of a classic ballet heroine. After a difficult upbringing, Jane becomes the Governess for the mysterious Mr. Rochester, discovering the struggles of society’s expectations. With stirring choreography and a captivating Victorian design, this avant-garde ballet shows that love can conquer any obstacle.
“Cathy is breaking glass ceilings in the ballet world, and with Jane Eyre she creates an unconventional heroine whose trials and passions are beautifully articulated through choreography,” said Ashley Wheater, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director of the Joffrey. “We are thrilled to bring her adaptation of Jane Eyre to Chicago for the first time following its successful North American debut with American Ballet Theatre this past June.”
Jane Eyre features live music performed by the Chicago Philharmonic, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet.
Tickets and Schedule
The Joffrey Ballet performs Cathy Marston’s Jane Eyre Wednesday, October 16 through Sunday, October 27, 2019. The full performance schedule is as follows: Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 pm; Friday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, Oct. 19 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm; Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 pm; Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 pm; Friday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, Oct. 26 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm; and Sunday, October 27 at 2 pm.
Single tickets, priced from $35 to $199, are available for purchase beginning August 1, 2019 at The Joffrey Ballet’s official Box Office located in the lobby of Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph Street, as well as the Auditorium Theatre Box Office, by telephone at 312.386.8905, or online at joffrey.org.
About Cathy Marston
Cathy Marston is a choreographer, artistic director, Clore Cultural Leadership Fellow and board member of the Damzentrale Bern. After education in Cambridge, she spent two years at the Royal Ballet School, before launching a successful international career now spanning over 20 years.
As Associate Artist of the Royal Opera House for five years, Marston created a critically acclaimed interpretation of Ibsen’s Ghosts. During her six-year tenure in Switzerland directing the Bern Ballett, her British ‘respect for the playwright’ became influenced by the ideas of German theatre and ‘Director’s Theatre,’ resulting in her unique, hybrid signature. Lending new perspectives to old narratives in her versions of Bronte’s Jane Eyre, Nabokov’s Lolita, Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover, or in her historically inspired Witch-hunt: all are danced stories stripped back to their essence, displaying high-quality technique and unflinching expressive integrity.
Marston has said her proudest moments include major creations for San Francisco Ballet, Northern Ballet, Danish Royal Ballet (and many more) as well as launching her charitable company, The Cathy Marston Project and rescuing Bern Ballett from threatened closure. Learn more about Marston here.
About The Joffrey Ballet
Classically trained to the highest standards, The Joffrey Ballet expresses a unique, inclusive perspective on dance, proudly reflecting the diversity of America with its Company, audiences, and repertoire, which includes major story ballets, reconstructions of masterpieces and contemporary works.
The Company’s commitment to accessibility is met through an extensive touring schedule, an innovative and highly effective education program, including the much-lauded Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, Community Engagement programs and collaborations with myriad other visual and performing arts organizations.
Founded by visionary teacher Robert Joffrey in 1956, guided by celebrated choreographer Gerald Arpino from 1988 until 2007, The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and President and CEO Greg Cameron.
Special thanks to Jane Eyre Presenting Sponsor George L. Jewell, Producing Sponsor Anne L. Kaplan, Major Sponsor the Walter E. Heller Foundation, and Sponsors Mary Jo and Doug Basler. The Joffrey Ballet is grateful for the support of its 2019-2020 Season Sponsors: Abbott Fund, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Sonia Florian, and the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation. The Joffrey also acknowledges our Preferred Partners JW Marriott, Chicago Athletic Clubs, and Athletico Physical Therapy, official provider of physical therapy for The Joffrey Ballet.
For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and its programs, visit www.joffrey.org. Connect with the Joffrey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.