“For my last ballet, I wanted to create something that touched you, but you didn’t know why,” says Jean Grand-Maître, co-artistic director of Alberta Ballet’s PHI.
After two years of delays due to the pandemic, PHI’s world premiere is finally making it to the stage at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium from March 31 to April 2. Due to these delays, Grand- Maître had time to rediscover the ballet. He rethought how to use the music and bring the performance to life. The dancers have been practicing in their homes for the past two years, so returning to the studio and stage reminds us how precious in-person interaction is, especially when bringing a work of art to life.
The Story
PHI uses dance and the music of David Bowie to tell the story of a lost young boy in the virtual world. He faces a choice: stay in the virtual world or go back to reality. Technology is changing our world. It is changing how we think, feel, and physically exist with each other. This contrast between the disappearing natural beauty of reality and the futuristic virtual world knocking on our doorstep will have audiences pondering big life questions and trajectories.
Many of Bowie’s lyrics also explore the idea that humanity is facing its demise, which ties beautifully into the theme of technology and how we may be using it to lead to our pain in the future. More than 13 of Bowie’s compositions appear in the show, including Heroes, Ashes to Ashes, Heathen, and I’m Afraid of Americans. 3D video projection will enhance each element in the show, plunging the audience into a sci-fi world.
PHI is the final instalment of Jean Grand-Maître’s portrait ballet series. He is currently transitioning into retirement and has served for more than 16 years as Artistic Director at the Alberta Ballet. Next year, he will become the Artist in Residence.
It is safe to say that Grand-Maître is transitioning into retirement on a powerful note. PHI is the kind of performance that will bring the audience the unexpected, leaving them touched long after the show is over.
Join the Alberta Ballet with PHI, which runs from March 31 to April 2 at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Tickets are available online.
