Book of Kells

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Kara Holdman

Book of Kells - Störling Dance Theatre

Inspired by the iconic work of art, Störling Dance Theater premieres its newest one-act ballet, Book of Kells, at Kansas City’s historic Folly Theater on May 13 and May 14.

Drawing from the true history of the exquisitely illustrated Book of Kells, the show bearing its name is set in a pagan village entrenched in human sacrifice as a means to appease their gods. Into this darkness, fearless monks arrive bearing the gift of beauty and hope. With this gift comes the creation of the book and its transformative message to a village in need of freedom and peace.

“The more I researched and learned about the Book of Kells and its history, the more fascinated I became,” said Artistic Director Mona Störling-Enna. “I began to envision what it was like for the individuals in this village and how they were desperate for what the monks brought. I knew I had to create a new work.”

While the Book of Kells contains its own dramatic history, including its capture in a Viking invasion, Störling-Enna brings the drama to the stage in this poignant story that combines beautiful choreography, live narration and Celtic music to craft a brilliantly detailed world where culture, sacrifice and forgiveness collide.

Complete with handmade costumes, dramatic lighting and innovative production design, the world that sails to life on stage will captivate audiences while leaving them with the original inspiration the Book of Kells brought to the world.

In addition to its premiere of Book of Kells, Störling Dance Theater, best known for its annual production of Underground, commemorates its 25^th anniversary with an exciting playbill of beloved classics. The first act contains fan favorites from the company’s repertoire, including “High-heeled Shoe Blues” and “Jiggy”, choreographed by Tobin James, former Associate Artistic Director for Störling.

Performances will include live Celtic music by Jump 2-3.

Audience members will also have an opportunity to choose their favorite of three ballets from Störling’s repertoire. The winning ballet will be revived for the company’s 2022 – 2023 season.

Störling Dance Theater will host its first, three-day Summer Repertory Workshop on August 1-3, 2022.

The Book of Kells is an artful masterpiece containing the four Gospels of the Bible – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. It was created on the island of Iona by monks over the course of 200 years. Treasured for the literal gems it held, the Book of Kells withstood a Viking invasion and evasion of capture before finally landing in Kells, Ireland where it became known as the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is currently on display in Dublin, Ireland.

To purchase tickets to Book of Kells or for more information about Störling Dance Theater, visit www.storlingdance.org. Performances are Friday, May 13 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 14 at 7 p.m.