Atlanta Ballet Presents World Premiere of Twyla Tharp’s ‘The Princess and the Goblin,’ February 10-19
The Ballet is a Co-Commission between Atlanta Ballet and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet
Twyla Tharp’s “The Princess and the Goblin” will receive its world premiere by Atlanta Ballet, February 10-19, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta. The full evening ballet, choreographed for young and adult audiences, is a co-commission between Atlanta Ballet and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
With a cast of 13 children from Atlanta Ballet’s Centre for Dance Education ranging in age from 8 to 15 years old, and professional performers from Atlanta Ballet, the ballet marks Tharp’s first work with children.
George MacDonald’s late 19th century classic children’s tale “The Princess and the Goblin” provided the original springboard for the work and the story on which the ballet is loosely based. For Tharp, like MacDonald, the children’s innocent and loving spirit is the driving force and moral heart and soul of the story. Most of the ballet’s central characters, general narrative line and moral themes remain true to the MacDonald.
The music for the ballet is by Franz Schubert, arranged and orchestrated by composer and Schubert scholar Richard Burke; it will be played live by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. The set is by Caleb Levengood and costumes are by Anne Armit. The lighting is by Tony Award-winning designer Donald Holder.
Performance Time
February 10, 11, 17, 18 at 8:00pm and February 11, 12, 19 at 2:00pm.
Where To Go
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre is located at 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. Tickets are available at the Box Office, online at www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.
Background Info
About Atlanta Ballet: Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the country and the Official State Ballet of Georgia. Atlanta Ballet’s eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. After 81 years, Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. In 1996, Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education and is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. The Centre serves over 150,000 people in metro Atlanta each year. Atlanta Ballet’s roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city’s cultural growth and revitalization.
About Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet: Versatility, technical excellence and a captivating style are trademarks of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, qualities that have garnered both critical and audience acclaim. These qualities keep the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in demand as it presents more than 150 performances every season. Founded in 1939 by Gweneth Lloyd and Better Farrally, RWB holds the distinction of being Canada’s premier ballet company. In 1953, the Company received its royal title, the first granted under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. In the ensuing decades, RWB grew to take its place among the world’s internationally renowned companies. In 1970, a professional school was created under the direction of David Moroni. Today two-thirds of the Company’s dancers are graduates of the RWB School. www.rwb.org
About Twyla Tharp: Since graduating from college in 1963, Ms. Tharp has choreographed more than one hundred thirty-five dances, five Hollywood movies, directed and choreographed four Broadway shows. She received one Tony Award, two Emmy Awards, nineteen honorary doctorates, the Vietnam Veterans of America President's Award, the 2004 National Medal of the Arts, the 2008 Jerome Robbins Prize, and a 2008 Kennedy Center Honor. Her many grants include the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Fellowship. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and an Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
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Photo collage designed by MIchael Bonfiglio/EJA.
