The Joffrey Ballet opened its 2024-25 season with the highly anticipated North American premiere of Cathy Marston’s poignant interpretation of Ian McEwan’s 2001 novel-turned-Academy Award®-winning film Atonement. The full-length narrative ballet follows Briony Tallis (brilliantly performed by Lucia Connolly), revealed in the book as its author, and now portrayed as a celebrated choreographer, as she grapples with the haunting echoes of her past through a breathtaking dance of redemption.
Marston’s new version of the book Atonement is one of the most exquisite dance interpretations I have ever witnessed on stage. Anyone who has read the book and seen the film, and loved both, will also love the ballet version.
The ballet stands out as its own version of the story, brought to life with a fantastic musical score by Laura Rossi, talented dancers, amazing costumes and fantastic set design. The entire performance is a beautiful rendition of the book itself, but also unique. You literally cannot take your eyes off the dancers throughout the entire show. You could describe it as being almost hypnotized.
The Joffrey Ballet company is always phenomenal, no matter what they are dancing. Their dancing skills, along with raw emotion, helps Atonement come to life. I loved Connolly’s version of Briony’s young innocence as a jealous pre-teen, who has a crush on her older sister Cecilia’s (the amazing Jeraldine Mendoza) lover, Robby (the always talented 6 foot tall Dylan Gutierrez). Also, a big shout out to the flawless Joffrey supporting ensemble. Without all of them, the show would not go on!
When Briony witnesses something shocking, her dishonesty sets a chain reaction of events that will change everyone’s lives forever. Guilt-ridden by her grave mistake, Briony grows as an individual from a child to an adult, doing whatever it takes to atone for her mistake and make everything right.
Not to give away the ending, but it is important to mention how Atonement’s encore wrapped up the choreography and the story as well, providing an extra element that made this performance stand out.
The costumes themselves stood out as their own talented ensemble of characters. The costumes portrayed a loss of innocence as the story progressed, creating an opportunity for the viewer to understand how each character develops throughout the story.
The message of Atonement is very relevant today. One needs to think and reflect before they act or speak. If we are not careful with our words and actions, we are not always aware of the consequences that may result from them. Sometimes these consequences cannot be reversed or forgiven. Atonement is a must see. Do not miss this amazing ballet production! Only running through October 27, 2024!
To order tickets, please visit the Joffrey Ballet website.
Photos: Cheryl Mann
Splash Magazines
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