Performed by Urbanity Dance Studio in Boston, Massachusetts, The Will of the Able, an experimental and contemporary ballet, is a captivating and visual performance based on the classic novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet Letter, written in the 19th century. Through this renowned story, The Will of the Able demonstrates the resilience of women, the nature of sin, and hypocrisy of society through powerful movement as parallels between the novel’s primary themes to modern culture where they are still applicable are drawn. The title of this ballet comes from the definition of “will” being a desire, a wish, or strength. The word “able” is a nod to the meaning of the letter “A” in The Scarlet Letter which initially stood for “adulterer” and later is recognized by society as meaning “able.” Therefore, this title conveys that this ballet tells the story about “The Wish of Women,” or “The Strength of Women” stating that as long as women are able, they will fight and persevere. 

Auburn University Senior Thesis