The Joffrey Ballet opens its 24/25 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, 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.The first-ever stage adaptation of McEwan’s best-selling book, Atonement will be presented at the historic Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, in ten performances only, from October 17–27, 2024.
This production received its World Premiere in April 2024 by Ballett Zürich, the company in which Marston serves as Ballet Director and Chief Choreographer.
“When Cathy approached me with her vision to create the first-ever stage adaptation of Atonement, we agreed that this would be an unforgettable narrative to experience through the lens of dance and that the Joffrey would be the perfect match for its North American debut,” said The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE. “Playing to the strengths of our Company Artists to convey complicated characters, such as the story’s protagonist Briony, Atonement sets the stage for a commanding season ahead, encouraging Chicago audiences to see themselves in ever more complex ways.”
“Opening our 69th season with the North American premiere of Marston’s Atonement reflects the Joffrey’s avant-garde approach to sharing ambitious, bold narratives,” added Acting CEO Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer Shari Massey. “This production marks the second time the Company has mounted a full-length ballet with an original score. New works are essential for the evolution of our art form, and with Cathy and Ashley at the forefront, I couldn’t be more excited for Chicago to witness what’s in store.”
Marston’s adaptation unfolds the tragic love story of Briony’s older sister, Cecilia, against the historical backdrop of 1935 England to explore the intricate layers of societal norms and the enduring impact of a single lie. Enveloped in Laura Rossi’s evocative musical score, with dynamic choreography portraying the complexities of self-deception, the transformation of memory, and the weight of guilt, Atonement shares an emotionally charged experience with a startling twist finale that will linger in the soul.
A production in two acts, Atonement features a creative team with costumes by Bregje van Balen (former dancer with Nederlands Dance Theatre), stage design by Michael Levine, and lighting by Martin Gebhardt.
Marston has received worldwide critical praise for her compelling and elegant narrative-driven ballets that both brilliantly capture and thoughtfully adapt some of the most influential novels in recent history. Atonement will be the fifth work by Marston that The Joffrey Ballet has performed; past productions include Jane Eyre in 2019, Of Mice and Men and Heimat in 2022, and the dance film Bertha in 2021.
Atonement is a co-production with Ballett Zürich and features live music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet.
