Schedule of Events:

5:30pm: H.T. Chen & Dancers at Henry J. Leir Stage

Pillow Debut:
Under the direction of Artistic Director Dian ****, H.T. Chen & Dancers is an innovative modern dance company that embodies its Asian American heritage. The company's repertory is distinguished by authenticity and groundbreaking works celebrating Chinese culture in the Americas. This summer at the Pillow, the company will present two signature works: Opening the Gate (described by The New York Times as "a throbbing, swirling spectacle") and Mott Street, which celebrates the resilience and collective spirit of the Chinatown community.

Since its founding in 1978, the multicultural company has earned critical acclaim for New York performances, national and international tours, and award-winning educational programming. Founder Hsueh-Tung Chen, a pioneering Asian American artist, was a choreographer, performer, and arts advocate for six decades. The New York Times wrote of him: "[he] has long been one of New York dance's most persuasive storytellers, addressing issues of acculturation well before they become fashionable in dance."

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2:00pm: Stephen Petronio Company at Ted Shawn Theatre

First Appearance Since 2003:
This summer, Jacob's Pillow is honored to welcome acclaimed director and choreographer Stephen Petronio to present the final performances of the Stephen Petronio Company (SPC), while also marking the culmination of SPC's 40th anniversary. Petronio, who is regarded as "one of the few contemporary dance makers who have created an instantly recognizable style infused with emotional texture and wit" (The New York Times), will sunset an accomplished 40-year run with his company as he moves into his next creative endeavor: Petronio Projects.

The company's Festival 2025 program in the Ted Shawn Theatre will include Chair Pillow by Yvonne Rainer as well as some of Petronio's signature works, including MiddleSexGorge (1990), BUD (2005), Broken Man (2002), the critically acclaimed American Landscapes (2019), and a new iteration of Petronio's solo Another Kind of Steve (2024). This appearance comes exactly 40 years after the company's Pillow debut in the first of three consecutive seasons when they were Artists-in-Residence here.

A recipient of numerous awards, including a New York Dance and Performance Bessie Award, SPC focuses on the creation and presentation of Petronio's existing and new works, alongside legacy initiatives meant to preserve the history of postmodern dance lineage. The company also advances the future of postmodern dance through new works that honor and extend the history, offering a platform for a greater inclusivity of artistic voices. SPC has performed in 40 countries throughout the world with numerous New York City engagements, including 25 seasons at The Joyce Theater.

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8:00pm: Elle Sofe Company at Doris Duke Theatre

U.S. Debut U.S. Premiere Live Music:
Hailing from Norway, Elle Sofe Company make their U.S. debut with Vástádus eana – the answer is land, a "powerful" (Vancouver Sun) and critically-acclaimed performance that combines dance with yoik, a traditional singing style of the Sámi people who are Indigenous to the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.

Supported by polyphonic music and costumes inspired by traditional clothing, the piece is inspired by political demonstrations, Sámi spiritual practices, and formation dance. Vástádus eana – the answer is land explores community and kinship between people, nature, and the earth. The yoik, composed specifically for the performance, serves as a musical pillar throughout a performance that reflects on the power of standing together and the awareness of the earth we all stand on and share.

Company founder Elle Sofe Sara is a featured artist at the Arctic Arts Festival in Harstad and a winner of the 2019 Moon Jury Award at the Imagine Native Film Festival. Now coming to the U.S. for the first time, Vástádus eana – the answer is land has toured internationally, and received the 2021/2022 Norwegian Critics Award for Dance.

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