Aract

Melanie Skinner and Casey Herd in Aract.
Photo © Angela Sterling

Music: Graham Fitkin (Fervent, 1992-1994; Piano Piece Very Late 92, 1992; Piano Piece 93, 1993; Aract, 1990)
Choreography: Kevin O’Day
Costume Design: Carole Divet
Lighting Design: Randall G. Chiarelli
Duration: 24 minutes
Premiere: November 4, 1997; Pacific Northwest Ballet (25th Anniversary Season)

Kevin O’Day choreographed Aract in 1997 for Pacific Northwest Ballet’s 25th anniversary season. It is set to four piano pieces by Graham Fitkin, the first and last of which have been orchestrated for full orchestra, on commission from PNB.

In its great drive and pull, O’Day has said, Fitkin’s music mirrors vital elements of his own choreographic vocabulary, which is drawn from the popular culture of his native Detroit, including Rock & Roll and Motown. Merging streetwise movement with his classical training, O’Day aims to vitalize the ballet tradition for a new generation.

Notes by Jeanie Thomas; edited by Doug Fullington, 2009.