Nashville Ballet will present a haunting double feature of original works just in time for Halloween—the long-awaited return of Lizzie Borden based on the infamous double murder and the world premiere of The Raven inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem—October 26-28, 2017, at TPAC’s Polk Theater.
Nashville Ballet Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling’s Lizzie Borden examines the real-life double murder case of 1892 in Fall River, Massachusetts. Lizzie Borden was famously accused, tried and acquitted for the brutal ax murders of her father and stepmother in a case that remains one of the most controversial and sensationalized in American history.
“Because Lizzie Borden was acquitted and no one was ever charged for the murders, endless speculation still surrounds the case that makes it as fascinating as ever,” Vasterling said. “I have my own theories about what may have happened in the Borden household on the day of the murders, and leading up to it. This ballet explores the dark backstory and delves into the mind of Lizzie Borden—taking place in her memories—to show that there may be more to the story than meets the eye.”
Lizzie Borden has remained a fixture in American culture for more than a century as the subject of popular books, movies, television shows and even a well-known children’s rhyme (“Lizzie Borden took an ax…”). Nashville Ballet’s version was originally presented in 2006, and this time around will feature a newly commissioned score by English composer Philip Feeney along with updates to the choreography. Unique to this version, Vasterling explores the phenomenon of “shadow people,” ghostlike figures often attributed to the presence of the supernatural, who influence Lizzie Borden throughout the ballet.
Lizzie Borden will be complemented by the world premiere of Nashville Ballet company dancer Christopher Stuart’s The Raven. Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem, the ballet follows a mysterious raven that ultimately drives a heartbroken lover into madness. The brand-new work will feature a classical score by Hungarian composer Franz Liszt.
This production contains mature content, and is recommended for Adults only. The Run Time is approximately 2 hours including 1 intermission. Lizzie Borden with The Raven is presented by STF Events & Catering and Lightning 100. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased in person at the TPAC box office in downtown Nashville, by phone at (615) 782-4040 or at the Nashville Ballet website. A complete performance schedule and more information can be found at the Nashville Ballet website also. Viewer discretion is advised; this production contains mature content.
Lizzie Borden with The Raven takes place at TPAC’s Polk Theater for three performances October 26-28, 2017: Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, October 27, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
Nashville’s Nutcracker will be the next production by Nashville Ballet and will be at TPAC’s Jackson Hall for sixteen (16) performances Saturday, December 2 through Saturday, December 23, 2017.
