October 21 Virtual Cinema Event:
Screening & Discussion with Frederick Wiseman and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi

Watch Frederick Wiseman’s masterful documentary about one of the most prestigious ballet schools in the world, the American Ballet Theatre, followed by a discussion between the director and Academy Award winner ELIZABETH CHAI VASARHELYI (Meru, Free Solo).

Noting that dancers portray “an unmistakable force and sincerity in their approach to their work day after day,” Wiseman felt it would serve a purpose “to demonstrate the reality behind the stage performances, to let the dancers, choreographers, stagehands, costumers, lighting designers, administrators and others communicate their dedication to the art form on their own terms.” His documentary masterfully captures all facets of the American Ballet Theatre school – from dancers Julio Bocca, Alessandra Ferri and Susan Jaffe in relentless rehearsals, to the managers and businesspeople who keep the organization running. Weaving between dancers’ lives inside and outside of the school, the film intimately investigates how dancers balance the strict demands of professional ballet with their personal lives, allowing you to get to know its subjects in a completely unvarnished, straightforward manner.

Unrated / 2 hrs 50 mins.

Ballet is being presented as part of the Wednesdays With Wiseman series. To read more about the series, click here.