The Kennan Institute and the Washington Ballet are pleased to present a celebration of the Russian imperial ballet The Sleeping Beauty.
Ballet historian Tim Scholl will discuss the ballet’s historical significance as well as his own work on the 1999 restaging by the Mariinsky Ballet in St. Petersburg. His presentation will be followed by a discussion with Artistic Director of the Washington Ballet Julie Kent and Associate Artistic Director of the Washington Ballet Victor Barbee, moderated by Kennan Senior Advisor Natalie Rouland. The event will culminate with a preview of the Washington Ballet’s production of The Sleeping Beauty featuring Julie Kent and Victor Barbee in performance, followed by a reception.
On February 28, 2019, the Washington Ballet will premiere a new staging of this Russian imperial classic, drawing on the original Petipa choreography preserved in the Harvard Theatre Collection.
Restaging Russian Classics considers the continued relevance of Russian masterworks for the contemporary American audience.
Speakers:
Tim Scholl, Professor of Russian and Comparative Literature, Oberlin College; Director, Oberlin Center for Languages and Cultures
Julie Kent, Artistic Director, The Washington Ballet
Victor Barbee, Associate Artistic Director, The Washington Ballet