The New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) presented the world-premiere of choreographer Trey McIntyre’s “The Sweeter End” on February 4, 2011 at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre.
Before the performance, Councilmember Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson was called on stage and thanked for all of her work and dedication for NOBA.
The evening’s program began with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band playing on stage, with the audience clapping and cheering along to the music. Eventually the band’s platform was obscured to bring the focus to the dancers who took the stage. The first half of the show was “Ma Maison,” which premiered in 2008 at Tulane’s Dixon Hall. The project was commissioned by the New Orleans Ballet Association and inspired high acclaim during its tour to follow.
After a brief intermission, the performance continued with the debut of “The Sweeter End.” The theme of the performance was post-Katrina, using the iconic spray-painted “X” symbol as a recurring motif. The music and the dance ranged in emotion from heartbreaking to jubilant.
Trey McIntyre, the dancers, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band ended the performance with a reprise of one of the fun hand-clapping and foot-stomping inducing numbers from “Ma Maison.” The performers all received cheers and a standing ovation at the conclusion of the show.
After the show, Councilmember Clarkson said, “This premiered at Mahalia Jackson Theatre. Won’t the rest of the world be lucky when the show reaches them, and they can see what New Orleans can do?!”
Photo by Eliot Kamenitz, Times Picayune
Photos below by staff of Councilmember Clarkson show the Councilmember being honored before the show; and Ben Jaffe (Creative Director of Preservation Hall Jazz Band) answers questions from the audience with Trey McIntyre.
