For tonights double showing of Nicolo Fonte’s 2014 premiere of Giants Before Us and his staging of Bolero, it seemed fitting to stick with a classic: Martini.

Bolero which premiered 2008 was inspired by composer Maurice Ravel’s repetitive and hypnotic masterpiece of the same name. The work was meant to evoke the cold, repetitive quality of factory work and the coming of the machine age. Fonte begins with that theme and then breaks it down to find human connection and passion in a ballet that is a celebration of life.

Created in 2016, Giants Before Us is set to the technically virtuosic music of composer and pianist Franz Liszt. It is a highly theatrical work which takes us to a world of men, of camaraderie, adventure, and good fellowship. The balance of this world is suddenly thrown by the appearance of a giant, mysterious, and fantastical being.

Recipe makes 1 drink

• Cracked ice
• 2 1/2 ounces dry gin
• 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
• Green olive for garnish

1. In mixing glass or cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine gin and vermouth.
2. Stir well, about 30 seconds, then strain into martini glass.
3. Garnish with olive or lemon twist and serve.