PNB Ballet School: Momotaro

Pacific Northwest Ballet is proud to present the world premiere of Jessica Lang’s Momotaro, the newest addition to PNB’s series of narrated, one-hour family-friendly ballets performed by students of the PNB School and designed especially for young audiences. (Momotaro does not feature PNB Company dancers.) Momotaro runs for three performances only, March 21 and 28, at Seattle Center’s Marion Oliver McCaw Hall. For tickets and information, call the PNB Box Office at 206.441.2424, or visit PNB.org.

Momotaro (The Peach Boy) is considered Japan’s oldest folk tale. It was first written around the Edo period (1603-1868) but is thought to have been passed down for centuries before then, with many different versions over time. PNB’s version of Momotaro, adapted by Jessica Lang and Kanji Segawa, brings this captivating tale to the ballet stage with a focus on themes of courage, forgiveness, and the power of family and friends. It tells the story of a boy who springs to life from a giant peach, to the delight of the elderly couple who have longed for a child of their own. Momotaro eventually goes on a hero’s quest to find the ogres who have stolen from his family and neighbors. Along the way he befriends a dog, a pheasant, and a monkey who help him defeat the ogres and return the stolen treasures to their rightful homes.

Sensory-friendly Performance of Momotaro

PNB is proud to present an inclusive, sensory-friendly performance of Momotaro on Saturday, March 28 at 12:30 pm. This performance will feature a supportive and welcoming environment so children and adults affected by autism or with other sensory needs can enjoy the shared experience of live ballet with their friends and family. Modified lighting and sound levels, fidgets, entry/exit privileges, trained staff, allowance of devices, touch stations, and a quiet room will be offered at this matinee. For more information on sensory-friendly performances visit PNB.org/accessibility.

Momotaro Community Day

PNB celebrates Japanese and Japanese American art, dance, and culture, with a FREE, interactive, and family-friendly Momotaro Community Day on Saturday, March 28 from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. The event will include performances, an artists’ market, collaborative art and craft stations, a panel discussion, and more for the community and Momotaro ticketholders to enjoy before and between the performances. For details and more information, visit PNB.org/blog/get-ready-for-momotaro-at-pnb.