Madison Ballet

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Tom Davenport

Madison Ballet dancers Fernanda Yamaguchi (left) and Alex Vrba.

Madison Ballet dancers Fernanda Yamaguchi (left) and Alex Vrba.

Madison Ballet wraps its season with dances both classic and contemporary in this program, dubbed "Timeless." Hallelujah Junction, set to music by American composer John Adams, is choreographed by artistic director Ja’ Malik. He plays on the rhythms of the word hallelujah and the percussive effects of two pianos in this world premiere performance. Also on the program, “Agapé” and the second act from the well known ballet Giselle. Performances are at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on April 13 and at 2 p.m. on April 14.

"Timeless," 2 & 7:30 pm on 4/13 and 2 pm, 4/14, Capitol Theater. $75-$19.

media release: Madison Ballet is thrilled to announce the company’s return to the Capitol Theater at the Overture Center for the Arts for the 2023/24 season finale, TIMELESS. Audiences will enjoy another program bringing together classical and contemporary ballet styles, including the world premiere of “Hallelujah Junction”, the return of “Agapé”, and the new production of the second act from the story ballet “Giselle”. The fluent and formidable choreography of Artistic Director Ja’ Malik will be on full display for this program.

  “Hallelujah Junction” is set to music of the same name by American composer John Adams. The music centers around delayed repetition between two pianos, creating a sonorous echo effect. While there is a constant shifting of pulse and meter, the music remains rooted in the natural rhythm of the four-syllable word, “hal-le-LU-jah”. His sixth work for the Madison Ballet company, Ja’ Malik says “Hallelujah Junction” is “a challenge, as I rarely create works to music written for the piano, but there was something about this piece written for two solo pianos that both scared and intrigued me. I love and thrive off the challenge.” This new ballet will feature the physically emotional choreography that audiences have come to expect from Ja’ Malik, plus lighting design by collaborator Julie E. Ballard and costumes by company artist Fernanda Yamaguchi. “Hallelujah Junction” is set for nine dancers, who evoke the timeless technique of classical ballet in a contemporary setting.

  Madison Ballet’s ‘Out At The Ballet’ performance of LOVE on February 16th featured the special premiere of “Agapé”. This short duet features music by American composer Nicholas Britell, lighting by Julie E. Ballard, and costumes by Ja’ Malik and Fernanda Yamaguchi. “Agapé” is an emotionally charged work that reimagines the timeless concept of the Pas De Deux, or dance for two. Ja’ Malik has challenged himself to create a modern work that alters the perception of the Pas De Deux, which is traditionally performed between a male dancer and ballerina, by having two men dance together. During the post-performance discussion, Ja’ Malik stated that “Agapé” is “about humanity. Despite featuring two men, the story is genderless. I am more interested in answering the question; how do we respect, love, and support each other in this journey of life regardless of race, sex, religion and all the other labels we put on people? It’s quite simple to me. Respect, love, compassion, and empathy are the answers, and I hope this Pas De Deux represents that through our unspoken language of movement.”

Originally created in 1841, “Giselle” has since become a favorite for audiences around the world, with the second act being one of the most emotionally driven works in the classical repertory of ballet. This new production will be choreographed by Ja’ Malik after Jean Coralli and Jules Perot, and set to the heart-wrenching music of Adolphe Adam. “Giselle” is a story about heartbreak and the redemptive power of love and forgiveness.

  Late at night, Hilarion mourns at Giselle's forest grave, but is frightened away by the arrival of the Wilis, the ghostly spirits of maidens betrayed by their lovers. Many were abandoned on their wedding days, and all died of broken hearts. The Wilis, led by their merciless queen, Myrtha, dance and haunt the forest at night to exact their revenge on any man they encounter, regardless of who he may be, forcing their victims to dance until they die of exhaustion. Myrtha and the Wilis rouse Giselle's spirit from her grave and induct her into their clan before disappearing into the forest. Albrecht arrives to lay flowers on Giselle's grave and he weeps with guilt over her death. Her spirit appears and he begs her forgiveness. Her love undiminished, unlike her vengeful sisters, Giselle gently forgives him. She disappears to join the rest of the Wilis and Albrecht desperately follows her. Meanwhile, the Wilis have cornered a terrified Hilarion. They use their magic to force him to dance until he is nearly dead, and then drown him in a nearby lake. Then, they spy Albrecht, and turn on him, sentencing him to death as well. He pleads to Myrtha for his life, but she coldly refuses. Giselle's pleas are also dismissed and he is forced to dance until sunrise. However, the power of Giselle's love counters the Wilis' magic and spares his life. The other spirits return to their graves at daybreak, but Giselle has broken through the chains of hatred and vengeance that control the Wilis. She is thus released from their powers and will haunt the forest no more. After bidding a tender farewell to Albrecht, she returns to her grave to rest in peace.

TIMELESS will be a performance like no other. In the setting of the regal Capital Theater, come to experience timeless classics and new contemporary ballets in this mixed repertory program showcasing the artistic breadth and technical capabilities of Madison Ballet. For three performances only, join Madison Ballet at the Overture Center for the Arts on April 13th and 14th, 2024.

Reserved seating tickets are between $19 - $75 for adults, $14 - $70 for children and seniors. Student rush tickets are available for $10 - $20, day of performance with college or high school ID.

  Tickets can be purchased online by visiting madisonballet.org, by calling 608-258-4141, or by visiting the Overture Center Box Office at 201 State Street.

About Madison Ballet

For 40 years, Madison Ballet has been an integral part of the vibrant Dane County arts community. Full-scale productions of inspiring traditional ballets, innovative contemporary performances, and the timeless holiday tradition of The Nutcracker reach more than 13,000 people each year. The School of Madison Ballet empowers students of all ages and skill levels with the poise, confidence, discipline, and fundamental life skills intrinsic to the study of dance. Outreach programming, presented in partnership with dozens of local school and community groups, enriches thousands of young people’s lives by introducing them to the joy of dance.