The work of Robert Joffrey (1930-1988) was first seen at the Pillow in 1952 and 1953 on what were known as Choreographer’s Workshop Programs. Pillow director Ted Shawn took a personal interest in promoting Joffrey’s work, and presented his company with Maria Tallchief as a guest artist in 1960. When the company went through a very messy public split with its principal patron, Rebekah Harkness, the Pillow played an important role in offering the initial venue for Joffrey’s completely reorganized group. The rare film fragment seen here documents this pivotal 1965 engagement. It would be 47 years before the Joffrey made a triumphant return to Jacob’s Pillow in 2012, presenting the world premiere of Stanton Welch’s Son of Chamber Symphony.
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