The Harris Theater for Music and Dance

Performances
October 5th | 7:30 PM
October 6th | 3:00 PM

Step into the Mexican myth of "La Llorona," where choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager reinterprets Maria’s journey through a lens of compassion and nuance. The story follows Maria, a new mother consumed by suspicions of her husband's infidelity, as she navigates the tumultuous waters of despair and mental anguish. Through Slager's masterful choreography and storytelling, Maria's journey is imbued with warmth and empathy, transforming what could be a tragic tale into one filled with hope and renewal. As audiences are drawn into Maria's harrowing struggles, they are confronted with the harsh realities of postpartum depression and are filled with tender empathy for her family. With each poignant movement and evocative scene, "La Llorona" sheds light on the silent struggles faced by new mothers, fostering empathy, understanding, and a call to action for greater awareness and support.

According to the NIH, 6.5-20% of new mothers face this silent struggle due to a lack of awareness hindering them from seeking help. Choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager, a mother of three, intimately understands these challenges. In her latest work, La Llorona, she reimagines the Mexican myth through a compassionate modern lens. Follow Maria, a new mother driven to despair by suspicions of her husband's infidelity, as she grapples with overwhelming darkness. Rather than succumbing to tragedy, Maria's journey becomes a poignant portrayal of a depressive episode. Ultimately Maria, her husband, and community learn to care for each other as they battle Maria’s mental illness. Through powerful storytelling, the ballet intertwines mythology with a crucial message, raising awareness for postpartum depression, especially among minority communities.

Featuring a performance by the all-female Mariachi Sirenas.

Performance Event Details

Performance Schedule

Lobby, box office, and will call opens | 6PM

Performance | 7:30-9:30 PM including intermission

Talk Back (open to all audience members) | 9:30-10 PM

Tickets are available at the door.

Experience the evocative collaboration between Chicago a cappella and Ballet 5:8, weaving the narrative of lamentations through the haunting melodies of Thomas Tallis’ “Lamentations of Jeremiah”. Through contemporary movement and soul-stirring harmonies, delve into the depths of human emotion as grief, longing, and hope unfold before your eyes. Don't miss this powerful performance, where the raw beauty of lamentations finds its voice through song and dance.

Join us at the Ohio Star Theater for a stunning mixed repertoire bill featuring new works and audience favorites. Witness the premiere of The Cave, by Julianna Rubio Slager and a new creation by guest choreographer Seyong Kim. Lost Women of Juarez and Wind have been heralded as some of Ballet 5:8’s most compelling work, and will round out this stunning evening of innovative storytelling and breathtaking dance.

Performances at 1pm and 7pm

Join us at Connection Church in Canton, MI for a stunning mixed repertoire bill featuring new works and audience favorites. Witness the premiere of The Cave and Celestia by Julianna Rubio Slager, as well as a new creation by guest choreographer Seyong Kim. The Space in Between is based on C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce, this stunning performance is a Ballet 5:8 classic and will round out this unforgettable evening of innovative storytelling and breathtaking dance.

Performance at 3PM.

THREE WORLD PREMIERES IN ONE SHOW Join us for a mesmerizing journey of "The Cave," a profound tale derived from Plato's ancient allegory. Choreographed by Julianna Rubio Slager, this ballet transports audiences into a society confined within the rocky walls of a cave, their existence limited to the shadows dancing before them. The Cave invites audiences to ponder the power of perception and the pursuit of truth.

Enter the ethereal realm of Julianna Rubio Slager’s latest masterpiece, "Celestia." Traverse the boundless expanse of the cosmos as we contemplate the enduring beauty, eternity, and transcendence of the stars. Rubio Slager brings us back to earth drawing parallels between the stars and our souls, each a unique and matchless creation. Ponder the infinite depths within and beyond in "Celestia."

World Premiere by Seyong Kim, "In this collaboration with Ballet 5:8, I aspire to achieve an artistic synergy that transcends cultural boundaries and emphasizes peaceful coexistence in our contemporary, globalized society. Through an interpretive lens grounded in Christian values, we shall fuse our distinct creative voices into a harmonious, profound, and holistic artistic expression.

Finally, this performance features the return of the Ballet 5:8 classic "The Space in Between" as the final performance of Lead Artist Lorianne Robertson. Drawing inspiration from The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis, "The Space in Between" explores the nature of eternity and the joy found on its shores. In Lewis’ work, Hell is not a place where a vengeful God tortures his victims, but a place “where the gates are locked from the inside.”

A stunning mixed repertoire bill at the Harris Theater featuring new work and audience favorites. Celebrate with us as we honor the eleven year career of Lead Artist Lorianne Robertson. The evening features Rubio Slager’s newest works The Cave and Celestia, as well as a new work by Seyong Kim. Lorianne Robertson stars in the final ballet of the evening, audience favorite The Space in Between. Based on C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce, this ballet has not been onstage since 2019 and showcases the remarkable expressive power of Ballet 5:8’s dancers.

THREE WORLD PREMIERES IN ONE SHOW Join us for a mesmerizing journey of "The Cave," a profound tale derived from Plato's ancient allegory. Choreographed by Julianna Rubio Slager, this ballet transports audiences into a society confined within the rocky walls of a cave, their existence limited to the shadows dancing before them. The Cave invites audiences to ponder the power of perception and the pursuit of truth.

Enter the ethereal realm of Julianna Rubio Slager’s latest masterpiece, "Celestia." Traverse the boundless expanse of the cosmos as we contemplate the enduring beauty, eternity, and transcendence of the stars. Rubio Slager brings us back to earth drawing parallels between the stars and our souls, each a unique and matchless creation. Ponder the infinite depths within and beyond in "Celestia."

World Premiere by Seyong Kim, "In this collaboration with Ballet 5:8, I aspire to achieve an artistic synergy that transcends cultural boundaries and emphasizes peaceful coexistence in our contemporary, globalized society. Through an interpretive lens grounded in Christian values, we shall fuse our distinct creative voices into a harmonious, profound, and holistic artistic expression.

Finally, this performance features the return of the Ballet 5:8 classic "The Space in Between" as the final performance of Lead Artist Lorianne Robertson. Drawing inspiration from The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis, "The Space in Between" explores the nature of eternity and the joy found on its shores. In Lewis’ work, Hell is not a place where a vengeful God tortures his victims, but a place “where the gates are locked from the inside.”