The Curious Life of Edgar Allen Poe

Explore Poe’s life, poetry, and passions in Ballet 5:8’s The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe—a bold, haunting, and unforgettable ballet experience.

Step into the hauntingly beautiful world of Edgar Allan Poe—literary icon, cultural outsider, and spiritual seeker. In this bold new ballet by Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager, Poe’s poetry and personal life collide on stage in a sweeping exploration of love, loss, madness, and faith.

Told through gripping choreography and an original score featuring 19th-century American composers, The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe unravels the man behind the myth. From “The Raven” and “Annabel Lee” to the shadows of poverty and grief that shaped him, the ballet invites audiences to see Poe not merely as a master of the macabre—but as a human being marked by longing and resilience.

Featuring Ballet 5:8’s full professional company alongside stunning visuals and layered storytelling, this world premiere reimagines Poe’s legacy with power, precision, and pathos.

*Purchase tickets here