Dance Theatre of Harlem’s iconic Firebird places the Russian folk tale about a magical bird that triumphs over evil in an exotic Caribbean setting. John Taras’ choreography to Stravinsky’s familiar score was further enlivened by sets and costumes by Geoffrey Holder. The 1982 DTH production was a tremendous worldwide success. 
This 1982 PBS documentary, “Stravinsky’s Firebird by Dance Theatre of Harlem,” takes viewers behind the scenes of the DTH Company’s acclaimed production. The Kennedy Center performance includes interviews with company founder Arthur Mitchell, John Taras, Geoffrey Holder, Stephanie Dabney, Donald Williams, and Lorraine Graves, followed by the online premiere of John Taras’ Firebird.
Firebird- Dance Theatre of Harlem
See the New York City season April 16 through 19 at New York City Center. Additional works by Artistic Director Robert Garland, Jodie Gates and William Forsythe and live music from the Gateways Festival Orchestra conducted by Jeri Lynne Johnson (April 16, 18, 19) and Tania León (April 17). For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://www.nycitycenter.org/pdps/2025-2026/dance-theatre-of-harlem
