Ballet Memphis Will Return to The Joyce Theater, 10/27-11/1

Ballet Memphis, under the artistic direction ofDorothy Gunther Pugh, will return to New York City's Joyce Theater (175 Eighth Avenue) for the first time since 2007 for a limited run this October. Performances begin Tuesday, October 27th and run through Sunday, November 1st. Tickets start at $10.

Ballet Memphis will present six original works in repertory during the run, all commissioned by and created on Ballet Memphis. These works will include Matthew Neenan's The Darting Eyes: Moving Currents (2014) and Water of the Flowery Mill (2011); Julia Adam's Devil's Fruit 2 (2013); Gabrielle Lamb's I Am A Woman: Moult (2015); Politics (2014) created by Ballet Memphis Company member Rafael Ferreras Jr; and Confluence (2012) created by Ballet Memphis Artistic Associate and Company member Steven McMahon.

Most of these works are from the company's Memphis Project and River Project series.

The Memphis Project works reflect and interpret the diverse culture of Memphis and the surrounding Mississippi Delta. The repertory employs classical and contemporary dance and explores a variety of themes and music-from a ballet based on Eudora Welty's "Curtain of Green," subtly dealing with race and gender, to a classically-based work featuring Memphis jookin'. The Memphis Project often features the music of Memphis-area recording artists such as B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and Aretha Franklin.

The River Project is the first long-term series created on a single theme since Ballet Memphis' lauded Memphis Project. This three-installment series reflects the iconic cultural history along the Mississippi River and how it affects Memphis and the region. River Project includes nine commissioned works, and it touches on themes from cultural migration, river baptisms, flight, transportation, exploration, and flora and fauna. Many of these works are at the heart of Ballet Memphis' touring repertory.

"All of the work we are presenting was created based on our commitment to broadening the conversation about our art form," said Dorothy Gunther Pugh. "We think it's essential to demonstrate how dance and movement furthers inclusion, curiosity and delight."

Ballet Memphis plays Tuesday & Wednesday at 7:30PM; Thursday & Friday at 8PM; Saturday at 2PM and 8PM and Sunday at 2PM. Tickets start at $10. Call Joyce Charge at 212-242-0800 for $10 tickets. All other tickets can be purchased online at www.joyce.org. The Joyce is located at 175 8th Avenue in New York City.

For more about Ballet Memphis, visit www.BalletMemphis.org .

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