(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) April 7, 2025—San Francisco Ballet (SF Ballet) today announced details for its captivating double bill program ‘Broken Love,’ returning two audience-favorite ballets from the 2024 Season to the War Memorial Opera House stage. Featuring the critically acclaimed Broken Wings by Annabella Lopez Ochoa, centered on the life of iconic artist Frida Kahlo, and Marguerite and Armand by Sir Frederick Ashton, both stories are led by complex women who showcase enduring strength and sacrifice in tragic romantic narratives. ‘Broken Love’ illustrates SF Ballet’s continued commitment to uplifting today’s most inventive dancemakers and celebrating the legacies of artistic visionaries through bold movement, vibrant costumes, and stories inspired by some of history’s most dramatic love stories.
Ashton’s Marguerite and Armand is a classic British tale of fervent love, heartbreak, forgiveness, and societal expectations. Originally created in 1963 for two of ballet’s superstars, Rudolf Nureyev and Dame Margot Fonteyn, the production’s lush designs tell a story of their own, imbuing the passionate choreography in a poetic period drama. The expressive music in Marguerite and Armand was composed by Franz Liszt, considered one of the most prolific and influential composers of his era. Casting includes Principal dancers Misa Kuranaga, Jasmine Jimison, and making her debut in the role, Dores André as Marguerite. Performing as Armand are Principal dancers Harrison James, Joseph Walsh, Wei Wang, and making his debut in the role, Max Cauthorn.
Lopez Ochoa’s Broken Wings, returning after a successful North American premiere at SF Ballet in 2024, explores the life and art of celebrated Mexican painter Frida Kahlo through inventive choreography and fantastical costumes and scenic designs by Dieuweke van Reij. The colorful ballet features recognizable characters from Kahlo’s art, including a chorus of spirited skeletons, delicate creatures, and an enchanting ensemble of Male Fridas. Principal casting for Broken Wings includes Principal dancer Nikisha Fogo, Soloist Isabella DeVivo, and making her debut in the role, Soloist Elizabeth Powell as Kahlo. Soloist Myles Thatcher will perform as Diego Rivera for the first time. The role will also be danced by Corps de Ballet member Nathaniel Remez.
Latin American Grammy Award-winning guitar duo Los Macorinos and vocalist Geo Meneses will give an intimate live performance of the popular Mexican folk song “La Llorona” during a duet between Frida and Diego in each performance of Broken Wings. The original score in Broken Wings was composed by Peter Salem and is infused with Mexican folk influences.
ABOUT LOS MACORINOS & GEO MENESES
Los Macorinos is a distinguished guitar duo rooted in the soulful traditions of Latin American music. Formed in 2004 by master guitarists Juan Carlos Allende and Miguel Peña, the ensemble rose to prominence through their work accompanying some of the most iconic voices of Latin America, including Chavela Vargas, Tania Libertad, Eugenia León, Pepe Aguilar, and Lila Downs. Their warm, acoustic sound draws inspiration from the early 20th-century style of Antonio Bribiesca, blending nostalgia with a reverence for Mexican and Latin American folkloric heritage. Allende and Peña first began performing together when they were invited by Chavela Vargas to accompany her in concert. This artistic partnership lasted until the end of her legendary career. Their thoughtful and expressive playing has since earned them an enduring place in Latin music, particularly through their collaboration with Natalia Lafourcade on her acclaimed Musas albums (Vol. I and II), which paid tribute to Latin American folklore and earned multiple Latin Grammy Awards and Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year, Best Folk Album, and Best Latin Pop Album. Their debut instrumental album, Nosotros, was released in 2022.
Joining Los Macorinos for select performances is Geo Meneses, a celebrated Mexican vocalist known for her expressive interpretations of traditional and contemporary Latin American repertoire. Geo began working with Juan Carlos Allende in 2018 with a moving rendition of “La Llorona,” followed by collaborations on Por ti me voy a morir (2019) and Veinte Años (2022). Together, Juan Carlos Allende, Saukey Liy, and Geo Meneses represent a fusion of generational artistry, technical mastery, and cultural continuity.
TICKETS & PERFORMANCE DATES
‘Broken Love’ is onstage at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco from April 8–18. Tickets start at $35 (+ $14 per order handling fee) and are available for purchase at sfballet.org. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling Ticket Services at 415-865-2000, open Monday through Friday, 10am to 4pm. Casting and prices are subject to change.
Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 pm
Thursday, April 10 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 12 at 2 pm
Saturday, April 12 at 8 pm
Sunday, April 13 at 2 pm
Wednesday, April 16 at 7:30 pm
Friday, April 18 at 8 pm
PRODUCTION DETAILS
Broken Wings
Choreographer: Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
Composer: Peter Salem
“La Llorona” performed by Geo Meneses and Los Macorinos
Staged by: Daniel Kraus
Additional Principal Coaching: Tamara Rojo
Scenic and Costume Design: Dieuweke van Reij
Lighting Design: Jim French
Dramaturg: Nancy Meckler
World Premiere: April 13, 2016—English National Ballet, Sadler’s Wells Theatre; London, England
SF Ballet Premiere: April 4, 2024—War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco, California
Marguerite and Armand
Choreographer: Sir Frederick Ashton
Composer: Franz Liszt
Staged by: Grant Coyle
Additional Principal Coaching: Tamara Rojo
Scenic and Costume Design: Cecil Beaton
Lighting Design: John B. Read
World Premiere: March 12, 1963—The Royal Ballet, Royal Opera House; London, England
SF Ballet Premiere: February 9, 2024—War Memorial Opera House; San Francisco, California
CONTACT
Public Relations, San Francisco Ballet
press@sfballet.org
To access press images, please register via the link here: https://photos.sfballet.org/
ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO BALLET
San Francisco Ballet, led by Artistic Director Tamara Rojo, is a world-leading ballet company and a trailblazing commissioner, collaborator, and presenter in dance. With a deep commitment to new and contemporary works and the classical repertoire, SF Ballet is a catalyst for the future of ballet, investing in commissions and acquisitions; presenting established and emerging choreographers with a breadth of viewpoints; uplifting dancers, artists, and creatives across disciplines; and cultivating the next generation of the world’s top dancers in its School.