(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse and American Repertory Ballet will co-host a discussion on the late ballet and film legend, Rudolf Nureyev, led by Princeton Ballet School Director Mary Pat Robertson, on Friday, February 19, 2016. The discussion -- free and open to the public -- will take place at 7:00pm at George Street Playhouse prior to that evening’s performance of Nureyev’s Eyes. The event is part of an overall collaborative effort between American Repertory Ballet and George Street Playhouse to expose more residents of New Jersey to the value of the arts.
Robertson will relay stories about the famed Russian ballet star and provide the audience with an inside look into the life of a dancer. George Street Playhouse Resident Artistic Director Michael Mastro, director of Nureyev’s Eyes, will talk about the play and how its writer, David Rush, portrays the cultural icon in his script. The presentation will conclude with a Q&A.
Those interested in attending both the pre-show discussion and that night’s performance of Nureyev’s Eyes may take advantage of a special 2-for-1 ticket offer by using code BALLETBOGO when ordering tickets via George Street Playhouse’s box office at 732-246-7717 or www.georgestreetplayhouse.org. (BALLETBOGO offer valid only for the February 19 performance of Nureyev’s Eyes.)
In Nureyev’s Eyes, American painter Jamie Wyeth (played by William Connell) and Russian ballet and film star Rudolf Nureyev (Bill Dawes) develop a friendship that transcends their differences and lasts until the end of Nureyev’s storied career and too-short life. Struggling to capture the icon on paper and canvas, Wyeth is not satisfied until an unexpected breakthrough provides new inspiration -- opening his eyes to what is right in front of him.
George Street Playhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, NJ. Nureyev’s Eyes is on stage now through February 21. The performance on February 19 will take place at 8:00pm following the discussion.
PHOTO: Princeton Ballet School Director Mary Pat Robertson