Russia’s Eifman Ballet brings ‘Pygmalion Effect’ to Berkeley

Cal Performances closes its 2018–19 season with the U.S. premiere of Eifman Ballet’s “The Pygmalion Effect.” The renegade Russian company presents the new work — getting its first U.S. showings on this tour — with 8 p.m. performances May 31–June 1 and matinee performances June 1 (2 p.m.) and June 2 (3 p.m.) in UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall.

A tragicomic ballet choreographed by artistic director Boris Eifman, it’s inspired by the oft-explored myth of Pygmalion, the sculptor who falls in love with his own creation.

Exploring themes of obsession, the nature of creativity, and the mystery of happiness, “The Pygmalion Effect” premiered in February at Saint Petersburg’s Alexandrinsky Theatre.

Tickets are $36–$135 at 510-642-9988, or calperformances.org/.