Inspired by the classic 1920 novella by controversial French author Colette,
Cheri is
Martha Clarke’s newest interdisciplinary work, an exciting fusion of
theatre, live music, and dance featuring American Ballet Theatre
principal dancer Herman Cornejo, prima ballerina assoluta Alessandra
Ferri, actor Suzanne Bertish, pianist Sarah Rothenberg, and text by
Tina Howe. This tragic story of forbidden love between a young man and
an older woman in Belle Époque Paris is a timeless, powerful
exploration of sensuality, love, and our preoccupations with youth and
age.
Plot summary
The novel is about the separation of Chéri and his lover of six
years, the much older Léa de Lonval (as the novel opens he is 25 and she
is 49). The two believe their relationship is casual until they are
separated by Chéri's marriage at which point they realize they are in
love. They spend a miserable six months apart, at which point Chéri
appears at Léa's home. They spend the night together and Léa begins to
plan their new life together. However, when she learns that Chéri had
returned for the moral strength to be a husband, she gives him courage
then releases him to return home.
Adaptations
The novel has been adapted to film twice, in 1950 and
2009; and television twice, in 1962 and 1973.
A ballet of
Chéri premiered at the
Edinburgh Festival in September 1980. The ballet was choreographed by
Peter Darrell, while the music was composed by
David Earl. The ballet was danced by the
Scottish Ballet with the lead roles of
Lea and
Chéri danced by
Patrick Bissell and
Galina Samsova. The set was designed by
Philip Prowse. This ballet was revived by the
Hong Kong Ballet in 1989.
DATES
November - December 2013
VENUE
The Irene Diamond Stage
Signature Theatre Company is located at:
The Pershing Square Signature Center
480 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 244-7529
Fax: (212) 714-9083
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