Margaret Atwood’s harrowing, award-winning novel of speculative fiction is boldly interpreted as contemporary ballet (performed on pointe) by New York-based choreographer Lila York. The Handmaid’s Tale is the gripping story of the desperate Offred, concubine (“handmaid”) to the Commander. York’s thrillingly theatrical dance drama – highlighting dark romanticism, emotional truth, and forbidden desires – was specially commissioned by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Its poignant human story is brought vividly to life by the extraordinary RWB dancers, pastiche score (James McMillan and Arvo Pärt), stunning costumes (Liz Vandal), and transformative, ingenious set design (Clifton Taylor). Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs The Handmaid’s Tale in Southam Hall of the National Arts Centre on January 22-24 at 8 p.m. All performances feature the National Arts Centre Orchestra.

The novel The Handmaid’s Tale won the 1985 Governor General's Award for English language fiction and the first Arthur C. Clarke Award in 1987. It celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2015. The novel has sold over ten million copies, has been translated into many languages, and has not been out of print since its initial publication. It has been adapted as a film, play, radio drama, and opera, but never before as dance.

The Handmaid’s Tale portrays a future society where human rights – especially women’s rights – have been obliterated. The United States is now a hierarchical, theocratic dictatorship renamed The Republic of Gilead. Owing to low fertility caused by radiation poisoning, women of child-bearing age are enslaved to elite families as concubines/surrogate mothers, or “handmaids”. Gilead is perpetually at war, the press consists of controlled propaganda, and the young are indoctrinated into compliance. However, there is a resistance movement called May Day. The Handmaid’s Tale is the story of Offred – literally “of Fred”, her owner-Commander; her fearless best friend Moira; the Commander and his wife; and their chauffeur, Nick, Offred’s illicit lover – who may or may not be a member of the May Day Resistance. Welcome to Gilead.

The Handmaid’s Tale is an ambitious creation, with compelling choreography and outstanding theatrical values – wonderful costumes, overpowering industrial set, and use of projections.

“York’s vision breathes new life into a venerable Canadian classic while literally embodying the story’s dark forces, with its sobering message as timely – and relevant – as ever.”

Holly Harris, Winnipeg Free Press

 

ABOUT CANADA’S ROYAL WINNIPEG BALLET
Versatility, technical excellence, and a captivating style are the trademarks of Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet, qualities that have garnered both critical and audience acclaim. These qualities keep the company in demand as it presents more than 100 performances every season. Celebrating over 75 years of dance, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet holds the double distinction of being one of Canada’s premier ballet companies and the longest continuously operating ballet company in North America. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet was founded in 1939 by Gweneth Lloyd and Betty Farrally, and began to tour Canada in 1945. The company received its royal title, the first granted under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953, and completed its first American tour in 1954. Today, the company spends 20 or more weeks a year on the road, performing in centres large and small.

 

ABOUT THE HANDMAID’S TALE

THE HANDMAID’S TALE (2013)
BASED ON THE NOVEL BY Margaret Atwood

Choreography Lila York

Costume Design Liz Vandal

Scenic Design Clifton Taylor

Associate Scenic Design Anshuman Bhatia

Lighting Design Clifton Taylor & Anshuman Bhatia

PROJECTIONS DesignER Sean Nieuwenhuis

Music James McMillan, Arvo Pärt, and others

DURATION 1 hour 55 minutes including one intermission
 

ACTIVITIES FOR DANCE STUDENTS

 

Ballet Masterclass with Jamie Vargas, ballet master for Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Saturday, January 24 from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

For intermediate/advanced-level ballet students and dancers (aged 14 and up).

Register online at http://nac-cna.ca/en/dance/event/10354  

 

SPONSORS

The NAC Dance presentations of The Handmaid’s Tale are generously sponsored by Manulife.

 

TICKETS AND PERFORMANCES

Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs The Handmaid’s Tale in Southam Hall of the National Arts Centre on Thursday January 22, Friday January 23, and Saturday January 24 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25, $54, $73, $89, and $101 for adults and $25, $29, $38.50, $46.50, and $52.50 for students (upon presentation of a valid student ID card).

 

Groups of 10 or more save 15% to 20% off regular ticket prices; to reserve your seats, call 613 947-7000 x634 or e-mail grp@nac-cna.ca.

 

Tickets are available for purchase:

• In person at the NAC Box Office;

• At all Ticketmaster outlets;

• By telephone from Ticketmaster, 1-888-991-2787 (ARTS);

• Online through the Ticketmaster link on the NAC’s website (http://www.nac-cna.ca);

• A service charge applies on all purchases made through Ticketmaster.