The Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet presents “The Emperor and the Nightingale,” a fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson about a Chinese emperor who prefers a bejeweled mechanical bird over the real nightingale, only to be saved from death by the real bird’s song after he falls gravely ill. The story contrasts the automaton’s artificial, repetitive song with the real bird’s authentic, emotional music.
The Kintz-Mejia Academy of Ballet production of “The Emperor and the Nightingale” was first produced in 2015 with original choreography by Mark Mejia and music by Rienhold Gliere. Using classic ballet vocabulary and Chinese aesthetics, this story is conveyed through poetic imagery. In the choreographer’s words, the moral message is about appreciating authenticity: Always seek a deeper truth and meaning. Don’t be easily impressed by what’s loud and covered in gold.
Performances are on Saturday, June 6 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, June 7 at 2:00 pm at Meridian High School, 121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church, VA 22043. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at https://26601.recitalticketing.com/r/events/. For information, call 703-501-4319 or email info@kintzmejiaballet.org.