Ballet Kelowna unveils lineup in return of in-person performances

Photo: Contributed

Ballet Kelowna has unveiled details about the upcoming season, marking the return of in-person performances for the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19.

The three productions will include two celebrity mixed programs, and the premiere of the company's first commissioned full-length ballet, Macbeth.

“It has been 19 months since our last in-person performance at the Kelowna Community Theatre,” says Ballet Kelowna’s Artistic Director & CEO Simone Orlando.

“While I am incredibly proud of the great strides we have made expanding our digital presence over the past year, nothing compares to experiencing dance live, together with others. Our dancers are excited to once again see and hear audiences in the theatre and bring our community together through the power of live performance.”

With Resurgence, November 5 and 6, Ballet Kelowna welcomes audiences back with a dynamic mixed program of contemporary and classical works celebrating a resurgence of the performing arts.

The second program of the season, Reprise, February 18 and 19, revives Ballet Kelowna’s most successful commissions. Inspired by the duality of his Indian heritage and Canadian upbringing, Kunal Ranchod’s Within the Golden Raga is a spiritually informed study of connection to people and place showcasing the depth of Ballet Kelowna’s technical side.

The season culminates with the world premiere of Alysa Pires’ Macbeth, May 6 and 7, 2022. Pires brings her signature athleticism and theatricality to this contemporary adaptation of the iconic tragedy exploring the dark side of human nature.

“To ensure a safe return for our audiences and artists, Ballet Kelowna will strictly adhere to all Provincial and Interior Health guidelines,” says Orlando.

“We are working closely with the Kelowna Community Theatre to map out protocols for our live audience programming and details will be released later this month. We are grateful for the ongoing support and patience of the community as we navigate these uncertain times, and we thank our patrons for joining us in our commitment to follow health measures including registering for BC’s Vaccine Card.”

For the 2021/22 season, Ballet Kelowna is using the box office services of the Rotary Centre for the Arts.

For the health and safety of patrons, the Resurgence program will be limited to 426 seats per show.

Additional tickets may become available in late October.