Firebird

Dance Theatre of Harlem returns to Washington, D.C., with John Taras’s vivid revival of *Firebird*, a story of love and transformation recast in a lush Caribbean world. The production combines Taras’s choreography with Igor Stravinsky’s 1945 score, Geoffrey Holder’s distinctive sets and costumes, and music recorded by the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra under conductor Mark A. Norman. The work was first conceived in 1982 and premiered in Paris.

The program also features *Donizetti Variations*, an elegant and demanding work set to music from Donizetti’s opera *Don Sebastian*, and *Return*, Robert Garland’s soulful, high-energy celebration of James Brown and Aretha Franklin. Created for Dance Theatre of Harlem’s 30th anniversary, *Return* is choreographed by the company’s artistic director.

When: Friday, September 25, 2026, and Saturday, September 26, 2026

Showtimes: Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Venue: The National Theatre

Presented by: Dance Theatre of Harlem and Washington Performing Arts

Program: *Firebird*, *Donizetti Variations*, and *Return*

Choreography: John Taras for *Firebird*; Robert Garland for *Return*

Music: Igor Stravinsky’s 1945 score for *Firebird*; music from Donizetti’s *Don Sebastian* for *Donizetti Variations*; and music by James Brown and Aretha Franklin for *Return*

Design: Geoffrey Holder created the original sets and costumes for *Firebird*. The original costumes were executed by Grace Costumes, Inc.; costume recreation was supervised and executed by Katy A. Freeman, Leo Holder, and Vernon Ross, with John Kristiansen executing the costumes for Firebird and the Princess of Unreal Beauty. Lighting is designed by Clifton Taylor.

Music recording: The *Firebird Ballet Suite* recording features the UNCSA Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mark A. Norman.

Tickets: Price not available

Group reservations: Groups of 10 or more may reserve seats by calling the Washington Performing Arts Patron Services office at (202) 785-9727.

Special designation: The engagement is the third annual Dallas Morse Coors Legacy Performance, honoring Dallas Morse Coors and her support for the arts.

Note: This exclusive Washington engagement continues the longstanding collaboration between Dance Theatre of Harlem and Washington Performing Arts, which began in 1973.