Years Ans FOUNDING SPONSOR 2001-2016

SEASON BROCHURE 2015-2016 MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR - BOARD OF DIRECTORS As Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada enters its 15th Season I will be the first to say it is a remarkable milestone. You will see from the line-up that this Season is about partnerships. The lives that we touch with our artistic programming are many and varied - artists, musicians, schools and educational institutions, community, health and social organizations, children, students and adults of all ages. I want to thank all of our sponsors, donors and supporters, public and private, whose contributions Leonard Lockhart, O.C. are an irreplaceable and essential source of support for everything Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada Chairman does. Your support has allowed us to excel artistically, to be an Ambassador across Canada and internationally, to reach out into our community to make a difference and to positively impact thousands along the way. Thank you for joining us on this journey. I look forward to seeing you at the theatre.

2 Front and back cover images: Kravetz Photographics DEAR FRIENDS

Creativity and partnerships are at the heart of our 15th Anniversary Season. Symphony New Brunswick Choeur Louisbourg, Karen and Allen Kaeja - Kaeja d’Dance, Connection Dance Works, choreographer Lesandra Dodson, visual artist Suzanne Hill, poet Anne Compton, playwright Sharon Pollock and Théâtre Alacenne all join us in celebrating this milestone season. We take great pride in continuing our Ghosts of Violence multi-media ballet and Celebrate Courage youth violence prevention program throughout Atlantic Canada in partnership with the Departments of Education and front-line service providers across the region.

We are also thrilled to be participating in the 21inc. Susan Chalmers-Gauvin Leadership Summit leading a session with the Founder and CEO 50 young Atlantic Canadian innovators. Join us for a spectacular year of dance and artistic excellence. Igor Dobrovolskiy Founding Artistic Director and Choreographer

3 THE THE OTHER FREDERICTON MONCTON PERFORMANCES SEASON SEASON KING LEAR GRANT THORNTON 21INC. IDEAS FESTIVAL October 8, 2015, 7:30 PM VELVET GALA November 4, 2015 The Playhouse November 26, 2015, 7 PM Confederation Centre of the Arts, Tickets: Tel: 506-458-8344 Capitol Theatre & Delta Beauséjour Charlottetown PEI 1-866-884-5800 Tickets: Atlantic Ballet Dance performance by Atlantic Ballet Theplayhouse.ca Theatre of Canada Theatre of Canada Tel: 506-383-5951, ext 110 ICEMAN - VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS 1-877-742-2822 A CHRISTMAS CAROL March 23, 2016, 7:30 PM November 27, 2015, 7 PM The Playhouse ICEMAN - VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS Moncton Wesleyan Celebration Centre Tickets: Tel: 506-458-8344 March 21, 2016, 7:30 PM Tickets: Tel: 506-870-8344 1-866-884-5800 Capitol Theatre Theplayhouse.ca Tickets: Tel: 506-856-4379 THE BALLET IN SAINT JOHN, NB Tickets on sale under Symphony NB 1-800-567-1922 Upstairs/Downstairs Capitol.nb.ca ICEMAN - VIVALDI’S FOUR SEASONS Tickets on sale under Symphony NB March 19, 2016, 7:30 PM BACH, A CHOIR AND Upstairs/Downstairs Imperial Theatre, Saint John NB COCKTAILS Tickets: Tel: 506-674-4100 May 17, 2016, 7:30 PM KING LEAR 1-800-323-SHOW (7469) The Playhouse May 11, 2016, 7:30 PM Imperialtheatre.nb.ca Tickets: Tel: 506-458-8344 Capitol Theatre Tickets on sale under Symphony NB 1-866-884-5800 Tickets: Tel: 506-856-4379 Upstairs/Downstairs Theplayhouse.ca 1-800-567-1922 Capitol.nb.ca KING LEAR Date TBA ORDER YOUR GALA TICKETS Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, Halifax NS NOW FOR PRIORITY SEATING! [email protected] 4 PIAF ON TOUR IN CANADA YOUTH EDUCATION IMPACT (IN STUDIO) Fest lifeDUETs - Kaeja d’Dance QUEBEC GHOSTS OF VIOLENCE November 6, 2015 February 16, 2016 Théâtre Outremont, Montréal, QC October 2, 2015 Atlantic Ballet Theatre Studios, Moncton, NB November 7, 2015 Arts & Culture Centre, St. John’s, NFLD In Two Days A Man Can Change Odyscène, Sainte-Thérèse, QC October 20, 2015 Lesandra Dodson November 10, 2015 Saint John High School, Saint John, NB February 18, 2016 Atlantic Ballet Theatre Studios, Moncton, NB Salle Jean-Marc-Dion, Sept-Îles, QC February 4, 2016 November 11, 2015 École secondaire Népisiguit, Bathurst, NB Under Sail - Connection Dance Works Centre des arts, Baie-Comeau, QC February 24, 2016 February 20, 2016 Atlantic Ballet Theatre Studios, Moncton, NB November 13, 2015 Cité des jeunes A.-M.-Sormany, Edmundston, NB Salle de spectacles régionale Desjardins, Tickets: [email protected] • 506-383-5951 New-Richmond, QC Dates TBA November 14, 2015 Halifax, NS THÉÂTRE ALACENNE Salle Desjardins-Telus , Rimouski QC Charlottetown, PEI Ally and the Forest Woodstock, NB October 30, 2015 Florenceville, NB Atlantic Ballet Theatre Studios, Moncton, NB NEW BRUNSWICK & NOVA SCOTIA Moncton, NB Tickets: [email protected] • 506-383-5951 February 25, 2016

Cité des jeunes A.-M.-Sormany, Edmundston, NB CREATIVE CONVERATIONS Crossing Genres March 10, 2016 May 17, 2016 Centre culturel de Caraquet, Caraquet, NB Merging Live Music and Dance The Playhouse, Fredericton, NB March 13, 2016, March 19, 2016 Imperial Theatre, Saint John, NB The Red Coat Carrefour Beausoleil, Miramichi, NB March 21, 2016 TBA May 6, 2016 Capitol Theatre, Moncton, NB Annapolis Royal, NS HOMEbody March 23, 2016 The Playhouse, Fredericton, NB TBA 5 6 MESSAGE FROM GRANT THORNTON MESSAGE FROM McINNES COOPER

Successful businesses, much like successful arts Throughout the region, the country and organizations, know their achievements depend internationally, the Atlantic Ballet Theatre on the daring and quality of their efforts, and in continues to impress audiences with their capacity to step away from the pack. It is that productions that reflect uniqueness and pure culture of excellence, optimism and determination talent. Artistic performances, like those you embodied in Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada, which will see this season, are an economic asset first led Grant Thornton to take on our role as Lead to the region and play an important role in Sponsor fifteen years ago. We take pride in the shaping the culture of our communities. knowledge that our support has helped to nurture The entrepreneurial spirit of the Atlantic Ballet and grow an organization which is making a huge Norm Raynard Ray Adlington Theatre of Canada, along with creativity and impact on the social fabric of our community and determination, are values our firm shares. Managing Partner Managing Partner/CEO the cultural reputation of Atlantic Canada. On behalf of McInnes Cooper, we are pleased New Brunswick Grant Thornton Now, more than ever, it is important to invest in to be the season sponsor and welcome you those creative individuals and organizations whose to another season of dance. imagination and resourcefulness will ensure that Enjoy the season. Atlantic Canada remains a dynamic, vibrant and diverse place to work and live. We congratulate Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada on 15 years of creativity and innovation.

FOUNDING SPONSOR SEASON SPONSOR 7 8 ... an imaginative translation into movement. Paula Citron / The Globe and Mail KING LEAR OCTOBER 8, MAY 11 PERFORMANCES IN FREDERICTON, MONCTON AND HALIFAX The Playhouse / Capitol Theatre / Rebecca Cohn Auditorium

CHOREOGRAPHY: Igor Dobrovolskiy / MUSIC: Dimitri Shostakovich The monumental story of pride, folly and broken dreams, King Lear is a fusion of theatre and dance. Company artists are joined by two actors in this original re-making of the tale. Set on the stark and melancholy scores of Dmitri Shostakovich, Igor Dobrovolskiy’s haunting interpretation of Shakespeare’s towering drama examines the perpetual balance between action and repercussion, arrogance and humanity. Dobrovolskiy collaborates once again with three stellar designers and an icon of Canadian theatre to create an ominous

Photo: Bud Gaulton Bud Photo: and sinister world, where false realities and vengeful traps yield devastating consequences. Photo: Bud Gaulton 9 Photo: David Corkum 12 10 VIVALDI’S ICEMAN FOUR SEASONS MARCH 19, 21 & 23 PERFORMANCES IN SAINT JOHN, MONCTON & FREDERICTON The Imperial Theatre / The Capitol Theatre / The Playhouse

CHOREOGRAPHY: Igor Dobrovolskiy / MUSIC: Antonio Vivaldi Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada is thrilled to partner with Symphony New Brunswick in a brilliant evening of movement harmony and vitality with the virtuose dancers of the company. Iceman will be the newest creation from Artistic Director Igor Dobrovolskiy on the famous composition from Vivaldi.

Tickets for this show are purchased from Symphony New Brunswick as UPSTAIRS/DOWNSTAIRS Photo: Kravetz Photographics Kravetz Photo: 11 NOVEMBER 26

PART OF THE MONCTON SEASON Capitol Theatre & Delta Beauséjour

The Grant Thornton Velvet Gala is a black-tie event, unrivalled in the region with its featured world class dance, its scrumptious carte du jour created by acclaimed Chef Stefan Müller, live music and an opportunity to meet and greet the artists of Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada. Join us for an inspirational evening of artistry and fine cuisine! Photo: David Corkum Corkum David Photo:

12 Celebrating LEN & MARILYN! Each year at the Grant Thornton Velvet Gala, Atlantic Ballet Theatre brings together more than 400 supporters, business and community members from across New Brunswick to celebrate our Founding Sponsor Grant Thornton and to raise funds for the growth and development of our company. The Grant Thornton Velvet Gala is also a time to recognize extraordinary contributions made by individual business leaders and community members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada and to the community as a whole. This year we are deeply honoured to recognize Leonard Lockhart, O.C. and Marilyn Trenholme Counsell, O.C. who have demonstrated a lifetime of significant leadership, philanthropy and support and whose commitment and accomplishments have inspired and enriched the cultural life of our province.

Leonard Lockhart, O.C. Honourable Marilyn Trenholme Counsell, O.C. Photographics Kravetz Photo: 13 14 BACH, A CHOIR AND COCKTAILS MAY 17 PART OF THE FREDERICTON SEASON The Playhouse

CHOREOGRAPHY: Igor Dobrovolskiy / MUSIC: Johann Sebastian Bach Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada and Chœur Louisbourg, New Brunswick’s sole professional choral group, partner together on a new work choreographed on Bach’s celebrated St. John Passion. This performance will also feature original works including an interpretation of visual artist Suzanne Hill’s newest upcoming exhibit BY YOURSELF. Join us for cocktails and a meet and greet with Igor Dobrovolskiy, Artistic Director of Atlantic Ballet Theatre, Monique Richard, Artistic Director of Louisbourg Choir, artist Suzanne Hill and poet Anne Compton. Photo: Kravetz Photographics Kravetz Photo: 15 16 “… a tribute to the power of dance as a vehicle for storytelling. You smile, you cry, you dream... Sylvie Mousseau / l’Acadie Nouvelle NOVEMBER 6, 7, 10, 11, 13 & 14 FEBRUARY 25 MARCH 10 & 13 TOURING IN CANADA MAY 6 Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia

CHOREOGRAPHY: Igor Dobrovolskiy / MUSIC: Edith Piaf and others

Abandoned by her mother at birth, raised by her grandmother in a brothel and encouraged to sing by her street acrobat father, Edith Piaf became one of France’s most legendary singers of all times. Artistic Director Igor Dobrovolskiy and the exceptional dancers of Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada explore a life shrouded in mystery, love, and tragedy reflected in the authentic and life-inspired songs of the great Edith Piaf.

The musical score features Piaf’s inimitable voice and music, interspersed with classical selections from Fauré, Photo: Kravetz Photographics Kravetz Photo:

Photo: Kravetz Photographics Kravetz Photo: Chopin, and others. Iconic songs include “La Vie en rose,” “Non, je ne regrette rien,” and “L’Hymne à l’amour.”

17 IN STUDIO Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada is pleased to present a week of contemporary dance in our black box studio theatre. Each presentation IMPACT will be followed by artist talks and a meet and greet. Workshops will be Fest offered throughout the week. This year, we are thrilled to present Kaeja d’Dance, Lesandra Dodson and Connection Dance Works.

FEBRUARY 16 lifeDUETs This program is a celebration of one of Canada’s premiere dancing duos. Allen and Karen Kaeja - co-Artistic Directors of Kaeja d’Dance. They have commissioned lifeDUETs from incomparable choreographers Tedd Robinson and Benjamin Kamino. Don’t miss lifeDUETs – a celebration of family, of company, of love and partnership.

FEATURING Karen and Allen Kaeja CHOREOGRAPHY: Tedd Robinson and Benjamin Kamino LIGHTING DESIGN: Simon Rossiter NEW MUSIC BY Charles Quevillon

18 FEBRUARY 18 FEBRUARY 20 In Two Days Under Sail A Man Can Change Connection Dance Works presents Under Sail, a series of contemporary dance pieces that draws inspiration from the life of Molly Kool, “In Two Days A Man Can Change” received glowing reviews from North America’s first female sea captain. This historically driven The Globe & Mail when first presented in Toronto in 2009. Highly work leads audience members through the different stages in Kool’s characterized and dramatic, the duet deals with struggles between life, beginning with her later years and bringing audience members nature and nurture. Combined with video clips of the Monument full circle to her resting place, the Bay of Fundy. Valley, and Old Western style text inspired by writer Elmore Leonard, the piece is a fusion of words and movement presented in a film noir style. Throughout the piece the dancers transform themselves through movement, gesture and prosthetic additions.

CHOREOGRAPHY: Lesandra Dodson COMPOSITION/SOUND DESIGN: Christine Fellows PERFORMERS: Ric Brown, Darryl Tracy CHOREOGRAPHY: Connection Dance Works PERFORMERS: Joanna Bryson, Sarah Johnson, Emily MacNeil and Jennifer O’Reilly

19 CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS Join us for “behind the curtain” discussions on the creation process with Artistic Director Igor Dobrovolskiy and our artistic collaborators. MERGING LIVE MUSIC AND DANCE MARCH 19 Imperial Theatre, Saint John MARCH 21 Capitol Theatre, Moncton MARCH 23 Fredericton Playhouse Artistic Director Igor Dobrovolskiy in conversation with Michael Newnham, Music Director of Symphony New Brunswick and Camerata NB on the upcoming collaboration between the live music of Vilvaldi’s Four Seasons and dance.

20 Michael Newnham Igor Dobrovolskiy CROSSING GENRES THE RED COAT A BALLET ON THE IMMIGRATION EXPERIENCE Artistic Director Igor Dobrovolskiy, visual artist Suzanne Hill, poet Anne Compton and Choir Director A conversation with Artistic Director and Choreographer Igor Dobrovolskiy and Monique Richard discuss collaborating between genres. award winning playwright Sharon Pollock, O.C. on the upcoming ballet The Red Coat. MAY 17 DATE TBA Fredericton Playhouse Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada Green Room, 68 Highfield Street, Moncton, NB

HOMEbody We continue our dialogue on fostering innovation and opportunity in Atlantic Canada and the importance of place, youth retention and welcoming newcomers. Guests include choreographer, director, dancer Shannon Lizenberger. DATE TBA Check our website for updates: www.atlanticballet.ca

21 THÉÂTRE ALACENNE Ally and the Forest OCTOBER 30 Théâtre Alacenne has been producing original theatre projects since 2003. The company is based in Moncton N.B. and has the support of many partners and collaborators (ArtsNB, Canada Council for the Arts, Caisses populaire acadiennes, NB Province, and many others). Since 2011, Anika Lirette and Mélanie Léger, the two artistic directors, pursue a particular interest in theatre for very young audiences. Ally and the Forest is the second show the company has especially created for children 3 to 7 years old.

ALLY AND THE FOREST: With this family show, children 3 to 7 years old enter a devastated forest being rebuilt with the help of two caretakers! Ally, a nice alligator, lives in the bayous of Louisiana. One day, a strong tide takes her away from her home and leaves her at the top of a tree. Frightened and lost, Ally has to adapt to her new forest environment by making friends. Using puppets made from recycled materials, the show deals with themes of the environment and mutual aid.

22 JOIN ATLANTIC BALLET THEATRE OF CANADA AT THE IDEAS FESTIVAL IN CHARLOTTETOWN NOVEMBER 4TH, 2015 The 21inc Ideas Festival is one of Canada’s most inspiring, challenging and stimulating forums. Occurring only once every two years, it is where Atlantic Canada’s emerging business and government leaders gather with their peers and the region’s established business leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, artists, educators, policy makers and designers, to engage in the ideas shaping our future, and equip themselves with the knowledge and networks to transcend our biggest challenges. The third edition will take place from November 4th to 6th at the Confederation Centre of the arts in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island with the theme “100 ideas for the next 100 years”.

LEADERSHIP ARTISTRY - INSPIRING CREATIVITY Igor Dobrovolskiy and Susan Chalmers Gauvin, Co-Founders Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada are thrilled to work with the 50 leaders at the 21inc’s Under 40 Summit November 2nd to 4th. This intense 3-day Summit gathers the most impactful entrepreneurial leaders under 40 years of ages in Atlantic Canada for a meaningful training and networking opportunity. The workshop will utilize artistic perspectives and skills exploring leadership abilities in the context of creating economically vibrant organizations and a more compassionate and sustainable society. How can leaders, and the organizations they direct, succeed economically by helping to create a peaceful and prosperous civil society?

You can never solve a problem on the level at which it was created... You must learn to see the world anew. Albert Einstein 23 24 With strong theatrical values, expressive choreography and committed dancers, Ghosts of Violence makes for a poignant dance experience. Thank You Paula Citron / The Globe and Mail to our 2015-2016 Partners The Sir James Dunn Foundation The New Brunswick Law Foundation The Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses’ Union The Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador The Tecolote Foundation The New Brunswick Union of Public and Private Employees The Greater Saint John Community CHOREOGRAPHY: Igor Dobrovolskiy / MUSIC: Alfred Schittke, Sergei Rachmaninoff Foundation The Robert Pope Foundation Ghosts of Violence is an award winning multimedia In partnership with frontline service providers, Nalcor Energy production and cornerstone of Atlantic Ballet Celebrate Courage works within a collaborative PLIAN Theatre of Canada’s national initiative Celebrate interactive setting that includes the performance, Government of New Brunswick Courage which brings the issue of intimate a community education campaign, educational Government of Newfoundland and Labrador partner violence into the spotlight. tools and on-site education for students and youth. Celebrate Courage is a ground-breaking national Celebrate Courage and Ghosts of Violence will to our 2015-2016 Supporters program developed by the company to build continue as an educational program for students awareness and dialogue on intimate partner in Atlantic Canada in 2015 and 2016. The New Brunswick Nurses’ Union The Pannell Family Foundation violence in communities large and small Ghosts of Violence was inspired by the across Canada. The Association of Allied Health N.B. Silent Witness Project. Professionals Atlantic Region Partners IBEW Local 37 St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre Photo: Kravetz Photographics Kravetz Photo: 25 REACHING OUT TO OUR COMMUNITY YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM The Company extends the scope of training for aspiring young dancers wherever it tours. Master classes and repertoire workshops at this level are opportunities which are usually only available in large centres. We offer this unique experience in cities, towns and rural locales throughout the Atlantic region and across the country. We also open Company class and rehearsals to dance students wherever we perform, giving young artists a look into the life, dedication, and work of a professional dancer.

TD SPOTLIGHT ON KIDS TD Bank Financial Group sponsors Spotlight on Kids, a program which benefits children and youth. It gives many their first chance to experience the magic of theatre. Every season, 2,000 performance tickets are made available to schools and groups helping underserved children. Thanks to our long-standing partnership with TD Bank Financial Group, youths throughout the Atlantic region have benefited from this enrichment for many years.

BALLET IN THE SCHOOLS Recognized by the Department of Education in support of physical literacy for young children, Ballet in the Schools is a unique enrichment program for kindergarten students in ballet/movement education taught by our professional faculty. 300 students will participate in this program in 2015-2016

26 CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT & SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL SUMMER BALLET INTENSIVE Located at the beautiful studios and headquarters of the Company, Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada’s Summer Ballet Intensive is led by an international faculty as well as guest artists and choreographers. The program offers the serious ballet student an intensive, high level of instruction.

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada’s Artist in Residence Program aims to assist dance professionals in developing new work, and promoting dance among new audiences. Our Artist in Residence Program provides studio space, and technical and administrative support to enable choreographers to work with various artists and audiences, through creation, teaching, outreach activities and performances. Each artist in residence is presented by Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada as part of its season. 2015-2016 Artists in Residence: Allen and Karen Kaeja

CULTURE AND MANAGEMENT INTERNSHIP The Culture and Management Internship is a collaboration with Mount Allison University’s Ron Joyce Centre for Business Studies. Each year the Company hires a student from the Commerce Faculty to learn the business marketing and administration aspects of managing an arts organisation.

Photo: Kravetz Photographics Kravetz Photo: 27 Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada establised the Centre for Arts & Education with a focus on youth performance education. The Centre for Arts & Education is a performance-based program integrating professional-level training in ballet, musical theatre (voice, dance, acting), stage production, and arts leadership, culminating in the opportunity to participate in full-length, full-scale musical theatre/dance performances on the stage.

Students at our Centre are taught by professional educators and artists who work in the performing arts. We are proud to offer an inspiring learning environment focused on building creativity, artistry, and discipline while developing self-confidence and performance skills for the stage and in life!

All of the students in the program have the opportunity to appear on stage in two full-scale productions. In November our students perform in our seasonal holiday show A Christmas Carol and a new production is mounted each spring. Past spring productions include Annie, The Wizard of Oz, The Musical and Sleeping Beauty.

28 Photographics Kravetz Photo: The Centre for Arts & Education is focused on providing youth with creative programming and mentorship opportunities with professional artists and educators that enhance their knowledge, understanding and experience of all aspects of performing arts while nurturing creativity and skills development.

Students are exposed to various art forms including ballet/ dance, musical theatre, scene work, voice, theatre, and theatre production. The breadth of our program means that every student has an opportunity to develop, to be engaged and to learn within at least one discipline.

OUR PROGRAMS INCLUDE • Arts After School (5 days per week) • Evening and Weekend Programs • Summer Performing Arts Youth Programs • Summer Ballet Intensive Program Youth Stage bursaries are available for students requiring financial support.

THANK YOU

BREWER FOUNDATION DOWNTOWN Dieppe 29 PRINCIPAL SPONSORS: 2015-2016 Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada would like to thank all of our sponsors and corporate partners. We are happy to welcome them centre stage in this 2015-2016 season.

FOUNDING AND LEAD SPONSOR SEASON SPONSOR

LOCKHART FOUNDATION

DOWNTOWN

30 PUBLIC PARTNERS Thank you

Photo: Kravetz Photographics Kravetz Photo: 31 PO Box 1783 Moncton, NB E1C 9X6 Canada

Tel: 506-383-5951 / 1-877-742-2822 [email protected] AtlanticBallet.ca

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