Full details: Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival schedule
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival schedule runs from June 20, to August 30, 2009 comprising 117 ticketed performances along with 200 free events. The Pillow has begun a Student Rush Program, with $20 tickets for college students when available. (Students can email info@jacobspillow.org for details.) Also, the Doris Duke Theatre now will open on Wednesday evenings, adding one more full performance to each week’s schedule.
Free event highlights include an exclusive exhibition focused on the dance imagery of Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and writer Jules Feiffer, created for and debuting at the Pillow; a performance honoring the 100th birthday of choreographer Erick Hawkins; a PillowTalk with Rachel Maddow, host of MSNBC’s “The Rachel Maddow Show;” dancers of the youth program made famous by the film Mad Hot Ballroom; and a discussion with Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui just a few hours before the world premiere of his latest work, Orbo Novo.
Jacob’s Pillow – free exhibits June 24 – August 30, 2009
A Dance to Jules Feiffer – Blake’s Barn
Open Tues-Sun, noon through final curtain
This exclusive exhibition, created for and debuting at Jacob’s Pillow, focuses on the dance imagery of renowned cartoonist and writer Pulitzer Prize-winner Jules Feiffer, known for his iconic modern dancer and her “Dance to Spring,” among many other social commentaries. Feiffer’s solo dancer in a black leotard was a regular fixture in The Village Voice for decades, and the first 10 years of strips have now been collected in a new volume entitled Explainers.
Feiffer will also take part in a PillowTalk on August 5 and a special reading of Which Puppy?, at the Pillow’s Community Day on July 26. Which Puppy?, a new children’s book about the Obama family’s search for a pet, is illustrated by Feiffer and authored by his daughter Kate Feiffer, who will also participate in the reading on July 26.
Alvin Ailey: Anniversary Salute – Blake’s Barn
Open Tues-Sun, noon through final curtain
In recognition of the 50th anniversary season of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Jacob’s Pillow commemorates its seminal relationship with Ailey, which began in 1953. This exhibit features photographs by John Lindquist and John Van Lund that have been rarely or never seen, including some of Ailey’s earliest works for the stage.
The Art of Merce Cunningham – Ted Shawn Theatre Lobby
Open 30 minutes prior to performances
Since Merce Cunningham first performed at Jacob’s Pillow in 1955, his works have been accompanied by the designs of Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, and other distinctive visual artists. As a special tribute to Cunningham’s 90th birthday, these artistic collaborations are documented in costumes, sketches, posters, and other artifacts from the Merce Cunningham Dance Foundation Archives.
Tap! – Doris Duke Studio Theatre Lobby
Open 30 minutes prior to performances
This photography exhibit features many important artists that have tapped across the Pillow’s stages, including Jimmy Slyde, Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, Dianne Walker, and a host of others.
Outsiders – Bakalar Studio
Open to the public whenever classes or rehearsals are not in session
Photographers have been documenting dance at the Pillow since the organization’s beginnings in the 1930s. On display here are a few highlights of these open-air images, including classics by John Lindquist and John Van Lund alongside more recent photos by Christopher Duggan, Mike Van Sleen, and others.
Jacob’s Pillow Archives – Blake’s Barn
Open Tues-Sun, noon through final curtain
This informal library and reading room allows impromptu visitors to view videos, browse through books, access the Pillow’s computer catalog, or peruse permanent collections of Pillow programs and photographs. Pillow Interactive, the popular touch-screen computer kiosk, provides instant access to rare film clips and dance history information ranging from the present day back to the 1930s.