Perhaps the headline above is being a bit uncharitable – the “old” work being performed by Texas Ballet Theater this weekend is Crash, Jonathan Watkins’ abstract ballet, which had its world premiere only four and a half years ago at TBT. Ballet is a space where companies regularly perform works that are more than 100 years old, so by those standards, mid-2015 just happened yesterday. Still, it’s a heartening sign that the company wants to bring back Watkins’ work about modern life so soon.
That will be paired with another work that’s having its premiere now. The Chinese choreographer Ma Cong has showcased work all over America, and while he’s currently based in Tulsa, he is using TBT to break out his re-staging of The Firebird, Stravinsky’s ballet about a prince and an enchanted creature who battle an evil sorcerer. The music may be more than 100 years old, but it retains its elemental power, and Ma is a rising star who will cast fresh eyes on the staging of the piece.
Texas Ballet Theater performs Fri-Sun at Bass Performance Hall, 555 Commerce St, FW. Tickets are $20-115. Call 817-763-0207.
