Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize winning A Streetcar Names Desire tells the story of two sisters – one clinging to a bygone era, the other embracing the reality of post-WW2 life in America.
Now the Venables Theatre welcomes Ballet Kelowna back to the South Okanagan this fall as they bring the classic to life with their first full-length ballet, an adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire.
Dancing between present and past, between real-time New Orleans and old-world Mississippi, the work’s dreamlike transitions are particularly well-suited to balletic interpretation.
In 2006, Simone Orlando inspired and danced the role of the sister Blanche Dubois for Ballet BC. Today, as Ballet Kelowna’s Artistic Director, she revisits the work for a new generation.
Considered Williams’ greatest drama, A Streetcar Named Desire explores poignant themes that echo today’s headlines: shifting social mores; power and dominance; gender stereotyping; and politics.
This timeless adaptation by choreographer John Alleyne, Ballet BC’s former Artistic Director, aligns with Ballet Kelowna’s mandate to encourage and promote the work of Canadian choreographers.
“John Alleyne is one of Canada’s most established and renowned choreographers. By presenting the monumental ballet, A Streetcar Named Desire, we are acknowledging his significant contribution to dance in Canada, while honouring his enormous legacy to the art form,” said Orlando.
Nine Ballet Kelowna dancers are supported by emerging artists from the Victoria Academy of Ballet to perform this stunning work. Produced with the generous support of Ballet BC, A Streetcar Named Desire is performed to the original jazz score by award winning B.C.-based composer Tobin Stokes.
A Streetcar Named Desire is presented by Venables Theatre with the support of the Community Presenters Assistance program (of the BC Arts Council and BC Touring Council) along with the Coast Oliver Hotel.
Ballet Kelowna brings their artistry to Venables Theatre October 27 at 7:30 p.m. at 6100 Gala Street in Oliver. Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for students. For more information visit www.venablestheatre.ca.
