The Firebird & Unearthed
Stories
Whether you’re new to dance or a lifelong fan, these guides are here to enhance your experience: offering context, helping you follow the storylines, and opening a window into the artistry behind what you see onstage.
The Firebird (Maine Dance Company Version)
In a faraway land, a hidden garden bloomed with golden apple trees, their fruit glowing in the moonlight. It was here that Prince Ivan wandered — and where he first glimpsed the Firebird, a dazzling creature of flame and feathers drawn to the enchanted apples.
Ivan managed to capture her, but the Firebird pleaded for her freedom. In exchange, she offered him a single feather and a promise: wave this feather, and I will return to help you. Moved by her words, Ivan released her.
As he lingered in the golden orchard, Ivan also discovered the princesses who were held captive by Kastcheï, a monstrous wizard whose power was bound to a secret egg that held his very life force. For years, Kastcheï had trapped every hero who dared challenge him, turning them into stone. Now, lured through the gates of the garden by Princess Elena, Ivan too was caught in his snare.
The wizard’s creatures descended, and Ivan’s doom seemed certain — until he remembered the Firebird’s gift. Waving the feather, he summoned her back. In a blaze of light, the Firebird put the creatures to sleep, urged Ivan to steal Kastcheï’s key, and guided him to the hidden box containing the magical egg. Under her enchantment, Ivan destroyed it — shattering Kastcheï’s power forever.
At last, Ivan thanked the Firebird for saving his life and freeing the kingdom. The princesses were freed and the monstrous creatures were revealed as their true forms: fairies of the forest, including the fairy prince and princess. With Kastcheï defeated and the land renewed, Elena took the throne as queen of the forest, ensuring that harmony and magic would reign for generations to come.
Unearthed
Set to the soul-stirring music of Hozier, Unearthed unfolds in a picturesque field framed by mountains. Here, a unique group of souls — individuals who once lived their human lives and have since passed on — are brought back to life for twenty-four hours. In this time, they have a choice to make: whether to return to earth and live their exact human lives all over again or remain beyond. Through a series of intimate vignettes, each character revisits memories of love, grief, joy, and longing, ultimately confronting the impossible choice they have been given. The work becomes a meditation on memory, leaving audiences to reflect on the same question: what would you choose?
First Light
The awakening of the group on the morning of their twenty-four hours to be alive again. They begin remembering what it feels like to be alive, and we get glimpses into key memories for some of our main characters.
De Selby
The initial unearthing of past lives. Memories and timelines of being are represented by glowing strings. A featured individual appears to have a deeper connection, understanding, and influence over the group.
Butchered Tongue
Our first glimpse into an individual's memory. A reflection on a life lived in slavery, where souls are oppressed and fatigued. The featured artist dreams of freedom, clings to hope, and influences others to do the same.
Hymn to Virgil
How far would you go for security, warmth, and power when you have none... and at what cost? An unfolding memory of individuals that fight to protect the flames in the palms of their hands. We watch the lengths our featured performer will go to as they fight for the world for those they love.
Swan Upon Leda
The story of two individuals destined to meet. Guided by our fates, they watch and influencing our female protagonist, while hoping these two individuals will make the right choices in their lifetime. We see the relationship transition from curiosity and attraction, into one of possession and aggression. The impact of these experiences haunt Leda throughout the course of her life, and we see where these two individuals find themselves when it comes time for their judgement day [derived from the Greek myth Leda and the Swan].
Abstract
A memory reflected upon by a man who paints a picturesque scene of the city at night. We see his deep connection to this core memory, and learn it is from the first time he met the woman he loved.
To Someone
A story of the process that follows losing the ones we love most. After the life of the man she loves ends too soon, our featured artist pulls us through the pain and love that lingers as she imagines and feels his spirit remaining with her.
Who We Are
The group comes together again to collectively mourn, process, feel, and reflect on their most difficult human experiences. They begin to feel the collective strength and comfort that emanates from those around them.
Empire Now
A memory of the creation of a great empire, lead by a powerful empress. This leader has empowered many to follow her guidance, but there are those who desire such power for themselves. We observe the influence of power and the human nature to both desire what is others', and to defend what is yours.
Through Me
After much of the day has passed, we begin to see a true shift in these individuals. Now, they learn that we don’t own life, love, or beauty—it flows through us like a flood, and we’re changed in the process. The piece marks a moment of transformation, and shows a higher understanding, playfulness, and connection to what the human experience means.
Unknown
Two people who did not know each other in their past lives, but meet in these twenty-four hours. As they reflect upon their own lives (including the love, struggle, and immense joy), they begin seeing similarities in one another and the experiences they had. This connection leads to a deep understanding, comfort, love, and friendship found in each other. However short lived it may be, they treasure finally knowing one another.
Francesca (Rún)
The twenty-four hours is coming to an end, and it is time for the group to make their decision: will they go back and live their exact life over again? Faced with their pasts for the last time, our characters do everything they can to appreciate their final moments together. Taking from what they have learned, who they have met, and what they remember, we begin to understand the true meaning of the human experience, and we see our characters make their final decision.