Nashville Ballet Premieres Groundbreaking “Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project” as Part of Community-Wide Initiative

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville Ballet will premiere Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project, , an internationally acclaimed contemporary ballet that journeys through one of history’s darkest hours to ultimately shine a spotlight on the triumph of the human spirit Feb. 9-11 at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Polk Theater.

“Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project” unfolds as Naomi Warren, a real-life Holocaust survivor, reflects on her life. Following one person’s journey through the catastrophic events of the Holocaust, the work aims to spread a message of resiliency, courage and, most importantly, hope. Created and choreographed by Mills, “Light” has traveled to cities all over the world since its 2005 premiere in Austin, Texas. The ballet is set to a contemporary score by renowned composers Philip Glass, Evelyn Glennie, Michael Gordon, Arvo Pärt and Steve Reich.

“Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project” is a unique multi-disciplinary community partnership that promotes the protection of human rights against bigotry and hate through arts, education and public dialogue. Through a partnership with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission, Nashville Ballet will host a series of community conversations and events leading up to “Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project” to reflect on historical and contemporary issues of social injustice to promote understanding.

Nashville Ballet Community Calendar:

•         Thursday, Jan.18: Open Rehearsal Viewing: “Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project” at Nashville Ballet (FREE)

•         Jan. 23-Feb. 1: “Inside the Ballet with Mitchell Korn: Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project” at Nashville Ballet

•         Wednesday, Jan. 24: “Lunch & Learn: Screening of Producing Light” at Belcourt Theatre (FREE)

•         Saturday, Jan. 27: Nashville Ballet's Performance of Frank at Williamson County Performing Arts Center at Academy Park

•         Saturday, Feb. 3: “The Art of Tolerance: Community Panel Discussion” at Fisk University (FREE)

•         Friday, Feb. 9: Nashville Ballet's First Call at Headlines Nashville at Hotel Indigo

•         Feb.9-11: “Attitude: Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project” at TPAC’s Polk Theater

“Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project” and its associated events are a part of a city-wide initiative during 2018 to help Nashvillians reflect on their roles and contributions to social justice in our city and world. The community initiative is anchored by the Nashville Symphony’s “Violins of Hope,” an exhibit of and performance with musical instruments played in concentration camps during the Holocaust.

“Attitude: Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project” is presented by Sea Salt Nashville with additional support from SunTrust and Susan Underwood Physical Therapy and funded in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased in person at the TPAC box office in downtown Nashville, by phone at (615) 782-4040 or at www.NashvilleBallet.com. A complete performance schedule and more information can be found at www.NashvilleBallet.com/Light.

About Nashville Ballet

Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee. Nashville Ballet presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling. Nashville Ballet and the second company, NB2 (a pre-professional training company), provide more than 70,000 arts experiences to adults and children annually through season performances and its Community Engagement programming. Curriculum-based Community Engagement programs bring dance education to community centers, colleges, public libraries and public elementary, middle and high schools across the state. School of Nashville Ballet brings world-class dance instruction to students age 2 to 70.

Nashville Ballet receives public funding from Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. Contributions from local, regional and national institutional funders and community partners, as well as hundreds of generous individuals provide ongoing support of Nashville Ballet’s mission-critical programs.

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