By Hannah Krafcik Helen Pickett strolled into the cafe of Powell’s Books on a surprisingly sunny afternoon in March, smiling brightly through her green-rimmed sunglasses, which were set off by her fiery curls. We were meeting at this quintessentially Portland locale, per Pickett’s suggestion, to discuss her new work, “Terra,” commissioned by Oregon Ballet Theatre.… Read More
Nicolo Fonte by Linda Besant, OBT Archivist Nicolo Fonte has accepted the position of Resident Choreographer with Oregon Ballet Theatre starting with our upcoming “Season of Giants.” This is joyous news for all who treasure great choreography and for the dancers in the company. Ever since Fonte made Bolero on OBT in 2008, his work… Read More
The Sets and Costumes of Beautiful Decay by Brook Manning For Beautiful Decay’s set design, Mr. Fonte chose to work with Mimi Lien, a New York-based designer of sets and environments for theater, dance, and opera. Approaching set design from a background in architecture, Ms. Lien is known for her inventive interpretations, creating signature… Read More
A JOURNEY TO NAPLES VIA COPENHAGEN AND PORTLAND: Bournonville’s Visual Aesthetic and the Set Design Process By Claire Willett For the residents of Copenhagen in August Bournonville’s era, Italy was a golden-hued and romantic dream of exoticism and sunshine. Wilhelm Marstrand, one of the most renowned artists of the Golden Age of Danish art, painted… Read More
Choreographer’s Corner: August Bournonville By Claire Willett August Bournonville – the Royal Danish Ballet’s most famous son and national legend – was virtually unknown in the United States until after World War II. But his joyful choreography, precise technique and exuberant artistry have made his works works beloved in the ballet canon for a century… Read More
