Running time
25:00 / One Act

Cast
Eight Men, Eight Women. Of these, two principal couples are needed.
In addition, two children are needed for a brief appearance in the epilogue.

Music
Sergei Rachmaninov, Prelude No. 3 in C# Minor
Marcel Dupré, Variations on Two Themes

Technical Requirements
Preferred stage dimensions are 40' wide x 35' deep.
Four wings are optimal.
A cyclorama is necessary.
A downstage curtain is desireable but not necessary.
No crossover necessary.
Smoke for the opening is optional.
There are no sets or backdrops.
The following lighting information is available:

• Plot
• Notes
• Hook up
• Magic Sheet
• Cue Sheet

Description
QXK is a loosely narrative work portraying characters based on chess pieces. In chess notation "Q x K" would mean "Queen takes King." Of course this never happens: the King may be put in check, or checkmate, but he is never actually captured. But this ballet does not cling literally to the conventions of chess, rather, it uses the game as a springboard to investigate various aspects of conflict from strategy to brutality. Leadership styles are considered as well as themes of loyalty and duty.

The work is presented in a visually engaging way. The fanciful costumes and use of swords will excite audiences new to dance while the subtext will engage veteran dance-goers in search of more than just steps.

From the striking opening to the surprise ending and the poignant epilogue, this is a work crafted to entertain and engage. It remains accessible while pushing the stylistic boundaries of dance.

This ballet was originally commissioned by Maggio Danza, an internationally-touring ballet company based in Florence, Italy.

To learn still more about this ballet, take our virtual tour of "The Making of QXK." You'll see why this work is good for Q&A with the audience and a fine choice for educational outreach programs.

"The allegorical quality of this work will enchant everyone who sees it. A definite winner!"  —Attitude

Terms
Cost: $13,000 without costumes and props
Costumes for sale at $6500
Costumes for rent at $2500
Props for sale at $5000
Props for rent at $2000
A CD of the music will be provided. It is indexed to facilitate rehearsals.
Setting the work calls for 120 rehearsal hours (three full weeks). Piece may remain in company repertory non-exclusively, in perpetuum. Half payment for choreography in advance, half upon technical rehearsal. Rental or purchase fees for costumes and/or props is due up front.
Complete terms available upon request.