The story of Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare early in his career, is one of the most famous and popular of his works. This story of star-crossed lovers has become one of the most performed plays that Shakespeare has ever written. The title characters are considered archetypal young lovers, brought together by fate and torn apart by circumstance.
Set in Verona, Italy, the story follows Romeo of the House of Montague and Juliet of the House of Capulet as they meet at a ball and fall desperately in love, despite the bitter rivalry that has existed between their families for years. With characters such as Romeo’s friend Mercutio, Friar Lawrence, Juliet’s would-be paramour Paris, and the parents of the young lovers rounding out the cast, this classic tale was adapted for the ballet by composer Sergei Prokofiev in 1933 and, like the original play, is filled with struggle, joy and untimely death.
Prokofiev had lived away from Russia since 1918 and Romeo and Juliet was to be his triumphant return. He composed a drambalat for the Kirov (now Mariinsky) Theater based on the Shakespearean tragedy, but with a twist – Romeo and Juliet lived at the end. The Great Purge that swept Russia at this time, however, led to the ballet being heavily altered before it premiered in the 1939-40 season. With its premiere, it now included the tragic end that Shakespeare intended.
Today, many people consider Romeo and Juliet to be one of the greatest full length ballets ever composed. A favorite of dancers, choreographers and patrons alike, this production never fails to stir the heart and soul. New York State Ballet’s interpretation, choreographed by the incomparable Sarah Rothrock-Rickel and brought to life by our company dancers, will inspire the lover and dreamer within all of us. Rochester is invited to join us at the Lyric Theatre on April 27 and 28 to watch as Juliet and Romeo dance together toward their fate in NYS Ballet’s production of Romeo and Juliet.
Provided information
