Ballets have been inspired by fairy tales, myths, poems, novels and Shakespeare plays, among other things. But never by a documentary that exposed the harrowing conditions at a state prison for the criminally insane. Until now. — The New York Times

This World Premiere ballet is inspired by Frederick Wiseman’s groundbreaking and controversial 1967 documentary, Titicut Follies. Filmed in 1967 at the Bridgewater State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, Wiseman’s landmark documentary provided a raw and candid perspective on the institutionalization of patients/criminals in America. A collaboration between Wiseman, choreographer James Sewell and composer Lenny Pickett, the work seeks to deepen the relevancy of ballet to contemporary life.

James Sewell Ballet was founded in New York City by James Sewell and Sally Rousse and brought to Minnesota in 1993. Over two decades later, critically acclaimed JSB performances move and delight audiences across the country. The embodiment of the original vision is a professional company of ten dancers performing innovative work that explores the technical boundaries of ballet. http://www.jsballet.org/

Visit http://nyuskirball.org/calendar/titicutfollies for more info!