NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Leonard Ajkun, co-artistic director of the Ajkun Ballet Theatre and resident choreographer, looks forward to celebrating the rich culture of his native country with the audiences of New Rochelle (Iona College, Christopher Murphy Auditorium, November 29 at 7pm) and New York City (Hostos Center for Arts & Culture, December 21 at 7pm).
Leonard’s exciting and daring choreography depicts the deep rooted historical rituals from 2000 BC and impressed upon Albanian culture by the Romans, the Byzantine Empire and the Islamic faith, touching on the contemporary social topics such as discrimination against immigrants, religion and Illyrian heritage.
Legacy premiered at the MMAC Theater in New York City in October of 2010, with an introduction by author and journalist Pëllumb Kulla, Albanian Ambassador to the United Nation, ex officio; the ballet toured Albania, Italy and Australia in 2011 and 2012.
The Encorr performances of Legacy, The Odyssey of Albania at Iona College, Christopher Murphy Auditorium – November 29, 2012 curtain at 7pm.
715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801 (Wheelchair accessible)
Tickets [General Seating $5] are on sale at the door
For more information, please contact Madalyn Barbero Jordan, mbarbero@iona.edu,
(914)637-7796, or visit www.iona.edu/artscouncil
This performance is sponsored by the Iona College Council on the Arts through the generosity of JoAnn and Joseph J. Murphy, the Baron Lambert Fund, and the New Rochelle Council of the Arts.
Founded in New Rochelle in 2000 to support the creative vision of Artistic Directors Leonard and Chiara Ajkun, Ajkun Ballet Theatre presents classic and contemporary ballets with a roster of 35 Artists, and an average of five new programs each year. The Season comprises of annual performances in New York City presented in August, October, December and May, during the summer residency at The Egg in Albany, and during the November-December and March-April residencies in New Rochelle. Completing the Season, The Companys annual International residencies in June, at the National Opera House in Albania, in July at the Dance in Italy Festival, and in September a tour throughout Australia. Additional touring engagements vary every year and are announced on www.ajkunbt.org | For the Company Roster, click The Artists on the menu.
