“M” is for mother and motherhood, the inspiration for Inbal Oshman’s M Stabat Mater, choreographed to Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s 18th-century musical setting of the Stabat Mater (“Sorrowful Mother”) which on this occasion will be performed live by NYBI. Pregnant with her third child and moved by a performance of Pergolesi’s version of the 13th-century hymn portraying Mary’s vigil at the foot of Jesus Christ on the cross, Oshman melded contemporary dance with early music to create a sensual and powerful piece that explores universal aspects of motherhood, from strength and intensity to vulnerability and tenderness. M Stabat Mater alludes to mythological mothers throughout history, including Mary, as well as the fierce Hindu goddess Kali and the four matriarchs of the Old Testament – Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah.

Thursday, April 12 at 7:30pm
Friday, April 13 at 7:30pm
Saturday, April 14 at 8:00pm
Sunday, April 15 at 3:00pm

Inbal Oshman, one of Israel's great emerging choreographic talents, sets her exploration of the fierceness and vulnerability of motherhood to Giovanni Battista Pergolesi's setting of the 13th century Catholic hymn to Mary, Stabat Mater.

Sherezade Panthaki
Soprano

Christopher Ainslie
Countertenor