The Making of ‘Bertha,’ a New Short Film from the Joffrey and Cathy Marston

This June, the Joffrey is pleased  to present Bertha, a new dance film that explores the psyche of Bertha Mason, the love-scorned antagonist of the novel Jane Eyre, with original choreography by choreographer Cathy Marston, winner of the South Bank Sky Arts Award, U.K. National Dance Award and the recipient of the International Institute for Dance and Theatre’s prize for Excellence in International Dance.

A collaboration between Marston, composer Errollyn Wallen CBE, and The Joffrey Ballet, this original film marks a first-of-its-kind presentation for the Joffrey and begins a new chapter in Marston's ongoing eploration of her full-length ballet Jane Eyre, which debuted for the Joffrey in 2019.

“[Creating a work about Bertha] has always been in the back of my head since choreographing Jane Eyre at the Joffrey,” says Marston. “The character has so much depth and complexity. It occurred to me that I’d love to do a short Bertha piece at some point.”

Learn more about the making of Bertha in this special panel discussion featuring Marston, Wallen, and Joffrey Artist Christine Rocas, moderated by Joffrey Rehearsal Director Suzanne Lopez. The film premieres this Thursday, June 3, on the Joffrey’s YouTube channel.