Displaying items by tag: Ian McEwan

What source materials make a great ballet? Can everything be interpreted through dance? It’s a fair question when considering Joffrey Ballet’s new adaptation of Ian McEwan’s complex novel. This sumptuous co-production with Ballett Zurich is proof that the sky’s the limit when it comes to what’s possible on stage.

Those who have read the novel or are familiar with the 2007 Joe Wright film will certainly find the plot a bit easier to follow. However, through Cathy Marston’s fascinating choreography, the ill-fated romance leaps off the stage. ‘Atonement’ begins at the Tallis family estate in the English countryside during one sultry summer evening in 1935. Young Briony Tallis (Yumi Kanazawa) witnesses a sexual congress between her older sister Cecilia (Amanda Asssucena) and Robbie (Alberto Velazquez), the son of one of the servants. Later in the evening, her cousin is attacked in the dark by an unknown prowler. Assuming the incidents are related, she implicates Robbie and forever changes the course of his and Cecilia’s lives.

Ian McEwan’s novel endures as one of the most inventive books of the early 00s in part because of its unique story structure. Joe Wright honored that in his film version by showing the same scenes from various points of view. ‘Atonement’ the ballet takes a unique approach to narrative structure with the traditional act order somewhat altered.

‘Atonement’ is forthrightly erotic. Given the deeply romantic plot between Cecilia and Robbie, it’s imperative for the audience to believe their chemistry. And that chemistry is hard to deny. Amanda Asssucena and Alberto Velazquez move with fluidity that may put a little sweat under your collar. Afterall, not every ballet is ‘The Nutcracker’.

Laura Rossi’s score pulls every emotion to the surface. A buoyant, romantic first act is balanced out by the urgent sounds that simulate the horrors of WWII-era London in the latter half of the ballet. Along with artful staging by Adam Blyde and Anastacia Holden, ‘Atonement’ is a feast. From the costumes to the minimalist setting, this production oozes sensuality.

The Joffrey Ballet has a certain knack for literary adaptation. ‘Atonement’ is another installment in their archive of hits. Classic settings provide a perfect backdrop for provocative modern steps that take your breath away. ‘Atonement’ achieves romantic complexity without words, proving how universal feelings of heartbreak and longing are. 

Through October 27 at Joffrey Ballet, Civic Opera House, 20 N Wacker Dr. 312-386-8905