Ballet Austin is taking a plunge into the world of Edgar Allan Poe with their latest production, "POE / A Tale of Madness," set to premiere this weekend. The company is bringing to the stage a ballet that combines the macabre with the tragic life of Poe himself, according to CBS Austin. The performance, directed by Ballet Austin's Sarah & Ernest Butler Family Fund Artistic Director Stephen Mills, will dance through the tangled threads of Poe's mysterious works and life for three nights from March 22-24 at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.

The production, Mills' latest after the success of 2019's "Grimm Tales," features not just choreography but a full symphonic score by composer Graham Reynolds. Reynolds' orchestral creations will be performed live by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, adding an extra layer of depth to the performance. CBS Austin reports that Mills collaborated with award-winning Austin-based artist Shawn Sides, who is penning her first ballet libretto, and costume designer Margaret Mitchell, who is known for her more than three decades of professional design.

In an exploration of both Poe's literary masterpieces and his tumultuous life story, "POE / A Tale of Madness," fuses dance with literature in a unique and twisted narrative. Pointe magazine explains that the ballet will cover Poe's eerie encounters with alcoholism, his fascination with death, and the many losses he suffered to tuberculosis, including the death of his young wife and cousin, Virginia.

In what looks to be a gothic treat for theatergoers, Mills adopted Poe's motifs, such as the raven as a symbol of the author's darkest thoughts, and characters that represent a heightened sense of Poe's tortured soul. As Pointe magazine notes, the whole show promises a "deeply gothic effect," aiming to captivate audiences with a style that reflects the current cultural fascination with darker narratives. The show begins in a mental institution, though audiences should prepare for a journey through time as Poe's life unfolds in a series of flashbacks and hallucinations.

For those looking to experience this unique ballet, tickets are already on sale and can be purchased through Ballet Austin's website. The premier on March 22 also offers an upgrade for a special Opening Night celebration including light bites, beverages, and exclusive access to pre-show areas with the purchase of tickets. With a renowned artistic team and a commitment to storytelling, "POE / A Tale of Madness" is shaping up to be a thrilling addition to Ballet Austin's innovative repertoire.