This world premiere by Tony Award winner Terrence McNally explores the rich history of the Ballets Russes, Sergei Diaghilev’s itinerant Russian ballet company. Surrounded by great talents of art, design, and music, the tempestuous relationship between Diaghilev and dancer Vaslav Nijinsky revolutionizes dance forever.

Passion and art take center stage in Terrence McNally’s new play, Fire and Air. Directed by John Doyle and playing at Classic Stage Company, Fire and Air looks at two geniuses in the Paris ballet scene during the early 20th century. The play tells the story of the famed Ballets Russes and its visionary Russian founder, Sergei Diaghilev (Douglas Hodge). Diaghilev has a unique vision for his company, which incorporates music from some of the greatest composers of the day — Debussy, Satie, Stravinsky, Prokofiev — and visual art and costumes from the likes of Picasso, Dalí, Matisse and Coco Chanel. Diaghilev is passionate, talented, and hopelessly in love with one of his best and most famous dancers, Vaslav Nijinsky (James Cusati-Moyer). Nijinsky is a reluctant lover but recognizes that his career hangs in the balance. In particular, Diaghilev gives Nijinsky vast creative control to choreograph his own ballets, including the controversial L’Après-midi d’un faune. But, as Nijinsky continues to waffle and toy with Diaghilev’s emotions, Diaghilev’s long-time friends Dima (John Glover) and Misia (Marin Mazzie) and housekeeper Dunya (Marsha Mason) are forced to step in to help him keep hi …Read more