From 6 to 9 November the Mariinsky-2 will host a series of performances by the Bolshoi Ballet. This time the renowned Moscow company will grace the St Petersburg stage with a revived masterpiece by composer Sergei Prokofiev, choreographer Leonid Lavrovsky and designer Pyotr Williams – the ballet Romeo and Juliet (1946 production). This celebrated production returned to the Bolshoi Theatre’s repertoire in April of this year.
Taking on the principal roles during the tour are: 6 November – Elizaveta Kokoreva and Artem Ovcharenko; 7 November – Anastasia Stashkevich and Makar Mikhalkin; 8 November – Svetlana Zakharova and Artemy Belyakov; 9 November (12:00) – Eleonora Sevenard and Denis Rodkin; 9 November (19:00) – Eva Sergeenkova and Artem Ovcharenko.
Pavel Sorokin will conduct the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra for all performances.
Romeo and Juliet premiered at the Kirov (Mariinsky) Theatre in 1940. This harmonious production seamlessly blends the beauty and expressiveness of Prokofiev’s score with Lavrovsky’s spirited and innovative choreography, Williams’ elegant and austere designs, and the captivating acting of the dancers. Galina Ulanova’s portrayal of Juliet became the soul of the production and its enduring symbol.
During World War II, by decree of the Soviet government, Galina Ulanova transferred to the Bolshoi Theatre, and in 1946 Romeo and Juliet entered its repertoire. “This production,” wrote Leonid Lavrovsky, “is by no means a mechanical transfer of the performance from the stage of the Kirov Theatre. I have radically revised the choreographic interpretation of a number of scenes, deepened and modified the characterisations and re-examined the dance vocabulary of individual characters. P.V. Williams is currently undertaking similar work, modifying and finding new principles for the scenic design…”
Lavrovsky’s celebrated production graced the Bolshoi stage for many years. During the company’s first tour to London in 1956 it captivated British audiences and achieved international acclaim.
In April 2024 this iconic ballet was revived at the Bolshoi Theatre by the choreographer’s son, Mikhail Lavrovsky, a distinguished danseur noble, People’s Artist of the USSR and one of the finest interpreters of the role of Romeo.
“Times have changed, as have passions, aspirations and tastes. This cannot be ignored; new productions are essential in the theatre – on contemporary themes, in a contemporary rhythm. But we must also preserve the old that carries profound meaning. We must not lose that which was our strength. The whole world has learned from us the truth of feeling, the fullness of emotion, and the ability to construct grand narrative ballets,” says Mikhail Lavrovsky.
The production team for this revival includes Anton Grishanin as a music director, Sergei Grachev as a set revival designer, Tatiana Noginova as a costume designer, and Damir Ismagilov as a lighting designer.
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