Romeo and Juliet
Alexei Ratmansky
Romeo and Juliet
Alexei Ratmansky
Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers is brilliantly adapted for dance by choreographer Alexei Ratmansky in this acclaimed production. True to the colour and character of 16th century Verona, the choreography includes fast footwork, expressive pas de deux and inspired ensemble work that drives the story. Romeo and Juliet is a thoughtful and visually striking revival of one of ballet’s great narrative works.
Verona is the site of a longstanding feud between two families, the Montagues and the Capulets. Romeo, a Montague, falls in love with Juliet, a forbidden Capulet, and they marry in secret. When Juliet learns she is pledged in marriage to someone else, she takes a sleeping potion to convince her family she is dead. She sends news of her plan to Romeo but he does not receive it. Believing Juliet dead, Romeo takes his own life and she, on waking, takes hers.
Born in St. Petersburg, Alexei Ratmansky is a choreographer and former ballet dancer. He is Artist in Residence at American Ballet Theatre and former Artistic Director of The Bolshoi Ballet. He has created new work for ballet companies around the world, including Romeo and Juliet for The National Ballet of Canada.
Sergei Prokofiev was one of the major composers of the 20th century, known and celebrated for his symphonies, operas, piano sonatas and ballets, notably Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella, widely considered his masterpieces.
“Finally, a Romeo and Juliet for our time” – Los Angeles Register
“★★★★/4 Thrillingly dramatic… dance drama doesn’t get much better than this.” – Toronto Star
“Of the six versions I have seen by choreographers alive today, this is much the best.” – The New York Times
Choreography:
Alexei Ratmansky
Music:
Sergei Prokofiev
Set, Costume and Properties Design:
Richard Hudson
Lighting Design:
Jennifer Tipton
Premiere: The National Ballet of Canada, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto, November 16, 2011
Lead philanthropic support for Romeo and Juliet is provided by Sandra Pitblado, C.M & Jim Pitblado, C.M., with additional generous support from Sandra Faire & Ivan Fecan, The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation, an anonymous friend of the National Ballet and Walter Carsen, O.C.
Principal Guest Artist Sara Mearns’ appearance is made possible by The Estate of Katherine Barber.
The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the following:
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The National Ballet invites you to attend the Ballet Talk 45 minutes before every performance in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.