American Ballet Theatre Brings The Winter's Tale to the Kennedy Center Opera House

American Ballet Theatre brings Christopher Wheeldon's captivating interpretation of Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale" to the Kennedy Center's Opera House stage, offering Washington audiences a rare opportunity to experience one of ballet's most ambitious narrative works. This production transforms the Bard's late romance into a sweeping dance spectacle that captures both the darkness of jealousy and the radiant promise of redemption.

The Winter's Tale presented by American Ballet Theatre at The Kennedy Center

Wheeldon, the Tony Award-winning director and choreographer behind Broadway hits like "MJ" and "An American in Paris," has crafted a ballet that navigates the full emotional landscape of Shakespeare's complex tale. His choreography moves seamlessly from moments of intense repentance and heartbreak to passages of tender love and jubilant celebration, creating a visual poetry that speaks as eloquently as Shakespeare's own verse.

The production takes audiences on a journey between two contrasting realms. The first act unfolds in the harsh, wintry kingdom of Sicilia, where King Leontes' unfounded jealousy sets tragedy in motion. The second act blossoms in the pastoral paradise of Bohemia, a vibrant world brought to life through lush staging that includes a magnificent wishing tree adorned with symbolic decorations. This contrast between the two kingdoms serves as more than mere backdrop—it reflects the emotional arc of the story itself, moving from desolation toward hope and renewal.

Bob Crowley's striking scenic and costume designs provide the visual framework for this tale, while Joby Talbot's expressive orchestral score sweeps the narrative forward with music that ranges from ominous and brooding to light and celebratory. Together, these elements create an immersive theatrical experience that honors both Shakespeare's original vision and the unique storytelling power of dance.

American Ballet Theatre, designated as America's National Ballet Company by Congress in 2006, brings its legendary artistry to this Kennedy Center engagement. Since its founding in 1939, ABT has maintained an unparalleled commitment to touring, having performed in all 50 states and 45 countries worldwide. The company's repertoire spans the great classical ballets of the nineteenth century to acclaimed contemporary works, with productions choreographed by masters including George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp, and Alexei Ratmansky.

Under the artistic direction of former ABT Principal Dancer Susan Jaffe, the company continues to honor classical ballet traditions while embracing innovative contemporary voices like Wheeldon. "The Winter's Tale" exemplifies this balance, taking a centuries-old story and reimagining it through the expressive language of twenty-first century dance.

For Washington theatergoers, this production offers a compelling reminder that Shakespeare's themes of forgiveness, transformation, and the healing power of time remain as relevant today as they were four centuries ago, proving especially resonant when expressed through the universal language of movement and music.