Fiddle and the Drum / Etudes / the second detail

In collaboration with Jean Grand-Maître, Choreographer and Artistic Director of Alberta Ballet, world-renowned singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell gives passionate expression to her lifelong concern with the issues of conflict, violence and humanity's continuing devastation of the environment.

Performed by the Alberta Ballet, this searing critique of humanity's drive to destruction combines Mitchell's music and visual art with Grand-Maître's semi-abstract choreography. Its primary inspiration is Mitchell's 1985 album Dog Eat Dog, but the score also includes new songs.

"…a great artist has inspired greatness in her fellow artists…There's a sensuality to the moves that reflect the anger and passion of the songs themselves.” - The Calgary Sun, 2007

As companion pieces, The National Ballet of Canada presents two very different examples of the short ballet form. Harald Lander's Etudes, one of the most popular of all ballets, pays affectionate tribute to the art of classical dance itself. By contrast, the second detail, by William Forsythe, whose video installation City of Abstracts is also featured by Luminato this year, seeks to alter our perception of what dance is. Oblique, hard-edged, playful and physical, the second detail is quintessential Forsythe.

Ticket sales on Ticketmaster end at 12noon on the day before a performance.We regret any inconvenience this may cause. To purchase tickets after this deadline:

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts or online/over the phone through www.national.ballet.ca or 416 345-9595