Jacob's Pillow Presents a New Evening of Dance by 3e étage: Soloists of the Paris Opera Ballet, July 31- August 4

From July 31-August 4, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival presents 3e étage, soloists of the Paris Opera Ballet, in the Ted Shawn Theatre. This performance marks the company's first U.S. appearance since a sold-out U.S. debut during Festival 2011. Traveling from France, this contemporary ballet company will perform the world premiere of Le Pillow Thirteen, a suite of new ballets and beloved favorites commissioned specifically for Jacob's Pillow. Under the direction of choreographer Samuel Murez, star dancers from the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet, including Murez himself, combine impeccable ballet technique with vastly imaginative style in this exclusive program.

The eleven-person ensemble is comprised of some of the most talented ballet performers in the world, many of whom grew up training at the Paris Opera School before joining the Paris Opera Ballet. Through 3e étage, Murez creates choreography that is both founded in the dancers' shared classical background and fully embraces his unique proclivities that often stray from the traditional idiom. Tresca Weinstein from Albany Times Union describes 3e étage as "...fresh yet timeless, serious and silly, self-mocking without eschewing emotion and connection."

Inspired by the buildings and grounds of Jacob's Pillow, specifically the historic Ted Shawn Theatre, Murez designed Le Pillow Thirteen to offer a unique opportunity for his viewers to witness some of the world's best classical ballet dancers in a contemporary context. The show consists of two acts, each subdivided by a series of interwoven scenes featuring recurring themes and characters. In the spirit of spontaneity and whimsy, the sections have the potential to be rearranged anew for each show. As the characters flow in and out of the works, they determine how each performance will unfold. Described by Janine Parker of The Boston Globe as "...no typical night at the ballet," 3e étage promises a distinct blend of eccentric humor and technical excellence.

The collection of nine works include Me2, a piece both inspired by and performed to Holocaust survivor Raymond Federman's original bilingual poem, Me Too; Quatre, an all-male quartet, involving fiercely athletic turns and jumps; and Processes of Intricacy, an intimate duet about the creative process. With these popular returning ballets and new premieres set to music by Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Niccolò Paganini, among others, 3e étage promises an exciting and inventive evening of superior dancing.

In addition to the six performances, Samuel Murez will discuss his fascinating background and adventures in leading this offshoot of the legendary Paris Opera Ballet in Premier Man of 3e Étage, a free PillowTalk in Blake's Barn on Friday, August 2 at 5pm. Additionally, 3e étage will answer questions and sign autographs each night after their performances outside of the Ted Shawn Theatre.

Company History:
Founded and directed by dancer and choreographer Samuel Murez, 3e étage is comprised of étoiles, soloists, and dancers of the revered Paris Opera Ballet. Created in 2004, the company was named after the third floor dressing rooms of the illustrious Palais Garnier opera house, where new dancers of the company are first assigned. 3e étage is known for contemporary ballet productions marked by an inventive mix of expert technique and clever narrative arcs.

Festival Connections:

3e étage made a sold-out U.S. company debut as part of the 2011 Festival, their only U.S. engagement prior to this performance.

PERFORMANCE AND TICKET INFORMATION
3e étage
Ted Shawn Theatre
Wednesday, July 31 through Saturday August 3 at 8pm
Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4 at 2pm

· Free Pre-Show Talks with Jacob's Pillow Scholars-in Residence are offered in Blake's Barn 30 minutes before every performance.

· A Post-Show Q&A with Artistic Director, Samuel Murez and Pillow Scholar-in-Residence Suzanne Carbonneau will take place onstage on Friday, August 2.

· Tickets $45-$75. Now on sale online at jacobspillow.org, via phone at413.243.0745, or in person at the Jacob's Pillow Box Office. Under 35 Friday Tickets are available for $19 on Friday, July 19 (ages 18-35), two per person, must show I.D. when picking up tickets. Available by phone and in person only.