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MACHINAL - A DANCE OF DEFIANCE

May 7–10, 2026 | PROVIDENCE, RI & May 14–17 | KINGSTON, RI

Ballet RI Black Box Theatre May 7-10

University of Rhode Island, J Studio May 14-17

In a world that demands silence, she moves.

Sophie Treadwell’s searing 1928 play, a landmark of American expressionism, is reborn in this striking new ballet. Machinal tells the story of a woman caught in the cold machinery of modern life: her body controlled, her voice ignored, her choices not her own. Through stylized choreography and haunting rhythms, this adaptation strips away dialogue to reveal the raw, physical truth of one woman’s rebellion. Stark, visceral, and fiercely contemporary, Machinal is a portrait of alienation — and a dance of defiance.

In collaboration with University of Rhode Island and co-adapter Rachel Walshe, Yury Yanowsky breathes new life into this theatrical masterwork.

Ballet RI Black Box Theatre
825 Hope Street
Providence, RI

University of Rhode Island, J Studio
Fine Arts Center
105 Upper College Road
Kingston, RI 02881

Performances:

Ballet RI Black Box Theatre
May 7 - 1:00pm
May 8 – 1:00 pm, 7:00pm
May 9 – 3:00 pm, 7:00 pm
May 10 – 1:00 pm, 4:30 pm

University of Rhode Island, J Studio
May 14 – 7:00 pm
May 15 – 7:00 pm
May 16 – 1:30 pm, 7:00 pm
May 17 – 1:30 pm

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ROOTED IN rhode island, rising for the region

ballet Education

BALLET RI Community Engagement

Bringing ballet into new and uncommon places

Ballet RI has been engaging Southern New England for over 40 years in programming designed to introduce schools and communities to the art of ballet, bringing ballet into new and uncommon places. Reaching an average of 13,000 youth each year, engaging over 3,000 students at main-stage ballet performances, and providing in-school residencies, after-school programming, and library workshops.

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DANCE EDUCATION with joy, support, and integrity

The School of Ballet RI offers a community where students focus on dancing in a joyful environment that is supportive and full of integrity. We differentiate ourselves through the unique combination of:

A high-quality education and training
A comprehensive and rigorous program
A reimagined approach

Our world-class faculty bring to students their many years of educational training, degrees in Dance Pedagogy, and significant performance experience as they cultivate the next generation of professional dancers and art lovers.

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I watched Nolan in his final performance last night and was so very proud of this little boy. This is a kid who has typically shied away from intensive work but from the moment he was cast, his whole world changed. It's been life changing for our family to watch him during these months. He was thrilled to hear he could potentially join the core ballet program and have a placement class in January. It's also the first time in his life I've seen him be in his element with a newfound confidence. I want to thank you for providing kids from the community with this opportunity.

Stephanie, Pawtucket, RI

My daughter has been training at BalletRI for eight years, since she was 3. She has progressed from a painfully shy toddler in creative movement classes to a confident, serious dancer in the pre-professional upper Core division. The instruction at BalletRI is top notch and having a school that is tied to a world class company makes all the difference. Students learn from former and current professional dancers and have incredible performance opportunities. We feel so fortunate to be part of the BalletRI community. My daughter’s teachers challenge her to be her best self every day.

Traer, Providence, RI

I love all the work the performance ensemble has done this year. What a peaceful, non-stressful way for the students to receive more training, coaching, and showcase their art! Thank you for all your hard work this year. I sincerely appreciate the opportunities you’ve presented my daughter with. She’s so happy!

Joanna, Wrentham, MA

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