The Nightingale
Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 1:00 p.m.
Weston MA
Tickets are now available. Ticket prices $20-$28
The Story
The Hans Christian Andersen tale of The Nightingale, has been transformed it into a touching ballet of true friendship, love and courage. The Nightingale tells of an unadorned woodland songbird whose glorious music is the joy of all the forest creatures. When the Emperor of China learns of her beautiful song, he lures the Nightingale to his court, where her voice delights everyone. Enchanted by the Nightingale, the Emperor orders her to be trapped in a cage, so that he might always enjoy the magic of her song. Hearing of the Chinese Nightingale, the Emperor of Japan sends emissaries bearing a gift - a spectacular bejeweled mechanical nightingale whose dazzling appearance captivates the Emperor and his courtiers. While they are distracted with the glorious mechanical bird, the real Nightingale escapes unnoticed and returns to the forest. The mechanical nightingale regales the court and all who visit until the pale figure of Death comes to the court to claim the Emperor. He needs the pure sweet song of the Nightingale to rally his strength, but at this crucial point, the gaudy mechanical bird breaks, and the dying emperor is left without song. Only the real Nightingale can save the emperor, but can she be found, and will she return to the court?
Collaboration with Angel Dance Troupe
The performance is enhanced by scenes of Chinese folk dance choreographed and danced by the Angel Dance Troupe of Angel Performance Art. Through dance education and performance, Angel preserves the traditional Chinese art and culture in America within the Chinese community and beyond, unveiling the beauty of Chinese dance rooted in the colorful cultures of China.
Funding for The Nightingale
The Nightingale is supported by grants from the Foundation for MetroWest and the Weston Cultural Council.
Read the Press Release from the Foundation for MetroWest.