In 1958 Jerome Robbins’ “ballet in sneakers” NY Export: Opus Jazz became a smash hit when it was broadcast on the Ed Sullivan Show and toured around the world. Set to an evocative jazz score by Robert Prince and abstract urban backdrops by Ben Shahn, the dance told the story of disaffected urban youth through movement that blended ballet, jazz, and ballroom dancing with Latin, African, and American rhythms to create a powerfully expressive, sexy, and contemporary style. Now, the work comes full circle in a vibrant new scripted film adaptation, conceived by the New York City Ballet soloists Ellen Bar and Sean Suozzi and shot on location around New York.
Followed by a Q&A with creators Ellen Bar and Sean Suozzi.
6 pm open seating
6:15 pm screening
Text: courtesy Bar/Suozzi Productions
Image: courtesy Jody Lee Lipes
