Saturday, April 22 | 7:30PM | Harris Theater | Chicago
See the World Premiere of BareFace by Julianna Rubio Slager
BareFace is a fresh and enthralling story that leans into the best of what dance has been and blazes a trail into what dance is becoming. With a refreshing focus on dance as the main mechanism to move the story forward Rubio Slager disentangles her story from the usual pomp and circumstance. Instead the story is almost cinematic in it's pacing and storytelling, clever in it's use of physicality, sweeping stage pictures and gliding sets to guide the audience into the futuristic world of glome. Inspired by the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, Rubio Slager tells a female-driven, utterly compelling story of love, jealousy and a case against the gods.
“The performance was powerful. Beautiful movement, imaginative choreography. I felt engaged and interested and watched every moment.”
Love has been the muse for all manner of myths, legends, movies and poems throughout the ages. Often held as the greatest of all virtues, love can even be said to be the bridge from mortals to the divine. But is it truly so? Rubio Slager will use the myth of Cupid and Psyche to examine love’s motivations, pitfalls and blind spots.
The story begs us to look inward at our desire for love and to ask whether or not we honestly understand the depths of our own hearts. We remain faceless until we are brave enough to look staunchly upon the ugliness of our duplicitous motives. We become beautiful when we release jealousy and embrace the truly selfless love of the divine. Set in the Grecian fairytale world of Glome, audiences can expect to be gripped by the dynamic storytelling through the impressive athletic prowess of Ballet 5:8’s dance artists. The full-length story ballet is brought to life by costume designer Lorianne Robertson and sets designed by Sarah Freeman and Graham Louthan.
“Beautiful and intricate choreography and storytelling executed by accomplished dancers.”
Performance Event Details
Saturday, April 22 | 7:30PM | Harris Theater
Harris Theater of Music & Dance | 205 East Randolph St., Chicago, IL
Questions? Contact Ballet 5:8 at 312.725.4752 or info@balle58.org
Performance Schedule
Lobby, box office, and will call opens | 6:30PM
Performance | 7:30-9:30PM including intermission
Talk Back (open to all audience members) | 9:30-10PM
Online ticket sales close two hours prior to the performance. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
This Performance Is Made Possible In Part By Our Sponsors
PENDRY CHICAGO & BALLET 5:8 LUXURY VIP HOTEL OFFER
The all-new Pendry Chicago and Ballet 5:8 Luxury VIP Hotel Offer is available this Spring. Patrons are invited to stay at a creative rebirth of the Burnham Brother’s iconic, bold and playful Art Deco Carbide & Carbon building and be inspired by the spectacular World Premiere of BareFace at Harris Theater for Music and Dance on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22.
Steeped in history and anchored in style, the modern-day luxury Pendry Chicago hotel is located in Chicago’s Loop, steps away from the Harris Theater. The reimagined 1929 landmark features 364 redesigned guestrooms, suites, the signature restaurant and glowing brasserie Venteux, Bar Pendry, and Cote D’Azur inspired rooftop terrace Château Carbide. Pendry Chicago is both a restoration and a reinvigoration of a Chicago architectural marvel.
The VIP Offer features:
Room Accommodations at Pendry Chicago
Special Welcome Amenity including Show Program, Merchandise and Pendry Macaroons
Ballet Tickets for Two
Hotel Credit for Dinner and Drinks Pre-Show at Bar Pendry, Venteux, or Château Carbide
Cadillac Service to Harris Theater for Music and Dance
Special Post-Show Meet-and-gGreet with the Cast
Contact Pendry Chicago’s reservation team to book directly at pchreservations@pendry.com or call (312) 985-0942.
For more information, visit Pendry Chicago’s Seasonal Happenings at Pendry.com/Chicago.
Starting in April, visit Venteux and enjoy BareFace and Ballet 5:8 themed cocktail and latte in the café and main dining room. Venteux is Chicago’s newest brasserie, cafe and oyster bar, residing within Michigan Avenue’s famed Carbide & Carbon building at Pendry Chicago. Venteux is a stylish and modern French restaurant, serving classic French fare with a contemporary twist.
Cocktail Feature | Allegro | Cointreau, Passion Fruit, Honey, Sparkling Wine
Latte Feature | Adagio | Lavender & Lemon
Visit our Attraction Partner, Museum of Illusions Chicago! A unique boutique museum only steps away from Harris Theater in the heart of the loop offering hands-on exhibits and installations to explore as well as insta-worthy immersive rooms.
Use code "BALLET58" for 20% off tickets! Visit the amazing world of illusions and experience the impossible!
Nisos Mediterranean is a women-led, verdant and airy oasis in the heart of the West Loop of Chicago. Brought to life by Executive Chef and Partner Avgeria Stapaki, Nisos' cuisine is inspired by a mélange of Greek flavors and interpretations of nature, art, fashion and food. Bold, colorful dishes evoke not only Chef’s inner creativity but her heritage and home in Greece. After all, “Cooking for someone is an act of love.”
Starting April 1 through April 22, Nisos Mediterranean will offer a special BareFace themed dish available to all guests inspired by the gorgeous handmade Grecian and futuristic dress that spans the entire stage (covering a typical 40' wide stage). When the curtain opens at Harris Theater, it's the first spectacle audiences will see, a dress larger than the costume shop itself!
Special and delectable BareFace-inspired dish consists of lobster, bisque, beetroot, mousse, parsnip mousse and potato agioli. Be sure to go taste it!
Revel in an entire evening reflecting on life in the Mediterranean! Enjoy the daring new story ballet reimagining Greek mythology's greatest love story, Cupid and Psyche at Harris Theater, followed by high-end Greek BareFace cuisine! Complimentary bubbles when you show your ticket the day of the show (April 22)!
Show your Ballet 5:8 ticket and receive 10% off entire bill when popping into JoJo's ShakeBAR at River North - only 5 min. from Harris Theater! JoJo's ShakeBAR is the next generation restaurant and bar. Modern, yet familiar, dining experience is grounded in nostalgia and focuses on creative desserts. The menu features a selection of biggie shakes, over-the-top sweet treats like milkshakes, milk bars, gourmet cookies and infused milks, along with a savory menu of quality diner dishes. Check out their website for seasonal offerings!
Thank you to our partner at Chicago Philharmonic for warmly welcoming Ballet 5:8 to the Harris Theater for Music and Dance Resident Company community.
The Chicago Philharmonic Society is a collaboration of nearly 200 of the highest-level classical musicians performing in the Chicago metropolitan area. Founded 32 years ago, Chicago Philharmonic is known for providing symphonic support to international and national touring companies in all music genres. Check out their upcoming concerts including: Kishi Bashi: Improvisations on E09066 | April 15
Check out Ballet 5:8's second restaurant partner, avlí - Creative, reinvented Greek restaurants in Chicago where tradition meets new contemporary elegance. Guests experience are curated by core philosophies of Philxenia (hospitality), Kefi (joy), and Meraki (passion).
You are invited to show your Ballet 5:8 ticket and enjoy 10% off the entire bill at ALL avlí locations including River North, Lincoln Park (Avli Taverna), Lakeshore East (Avli on The Park) and the West Loop (Time Out Market).
Ticket FAQ & COVID-19 Safety
Can tickets be purchased at the door?
Yes, any available tickets will be available for purchase at the door.
Are there any discounts available?
Accessible $15 tickets are available.
Discounted tickets are available for seniors over 65 years of age and children 12 and under.
Have a group? Contact Ballet 5:8 directly to discuss group pricing at 312.725.4752
Are tickets refundable?
No, all ticket sales are final.
How is seating determined for the performance?
Seating will be reserved at ticket purchase,.
What are the COVID-19 safety protocols?
COVID-19 safety details will be updated as we get closer to the performance.
Are there accessibility options at the Harris Theater?
Yes, the Harris Theater provides assisted hearing devices and enlarged print programs. Please see their website for more information.