Join Us at Lila’s Lounge

August 17 | 7:55pm

Rosecliff Lawn

548 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI

5:55PM – Venue & food vendors open

6:40PM – Live music by Julio Amaro & Valérie Mathieu with improvisation by Island Moving Company dancer Katie Moorhead

7:55PM – Film followed by Q&A with film subject Wendy Whelan & director Adam Schlesinger, moderated by Josh Barone of The New York Times

RESTLESS CREATURE: WENDY WHELAN offers an intimate portrait of prima ballerina Wendy Whelan as she prepares to leave New York City Ballet after a record-setting three decades with the company. One of the modern era’s most acclaimed dancers, Whelan was a principal ballerina for NYCB and, over the course of her celebrated career, danced numerous ballets by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, as well as new works by more modern standout choreographers like Christopher Wheeldon and Alexei Ratmansky; many roles were made specifically for Whelan. Throughout Linda Saffire and Adam Schlesinger’s riveting documentary, we watch Whelan grapple with questions of her own identity and worth. Whelan’s unflinching honesty, her tireless determination, and her winsome attitude—along with her breathtaking dancing—make RESTLESS CREATURE: WENDY WHELAN not just a fascinating portrait of an artist grappling with change but also a delight to watch.

90 minutes

Directors: Linda Saffire, Adam Schlesinger
Cast: Wendy Whelan