Choreographer: Ivo Vana Psota
Composer: Sergei Prokofiev

Premiere: December 30, 1938 at the Mahen Theatre

Overview: Based on Shakespeare’s tragic play, Romeo and Juliet tells the story of two young lovers from feuding families in Verona. Despite their families’ hatred, Romeo and Juliet secretly marry. However, the family feud leads to tragic consequences when Romeo kills Juliet’s cousin, Tybalt, in a duel. After Romeo is banished, a series of misunderstandings leads to the lovers’ ultimate deaths.

Key Themes:

• Love vs. Hate: The central theme of Romeo and Juliet is the powerful contrast between the pure love shared by the two protagonists and the destructive hatred between their families.
• Fate and Tragedy: The lovers are destined for tragedy, and the inevitability of their deaths is central to the ballet’s emotional weight.
• Youthful Passion: The ballet captures the impulsive, intense emotions of young love, as well as the recklessness that often accompanies it.

Notable Sections:

• The Balcony Pas de Deux: One of the most famous and romantic moments in the ballet, this pas de deux between Romeo and Juliet is filled with tender lifts, delicate spins, and longing gazes. The choreography conveys their deep love and youthful passion, with graceful movements that reflect the intimacy of their connection.
• The Death of Tybalt: This sword fight between Romeo and Tybalt is a dramatic and intense scene, filled with powerful jumps, aggressive movements, and swift, precise choreography. The fight captures the escalation of violence and the irreversible consequences of the family feud.
• The Farewell Pas de Deux: After Romeo is banished, this poignant pas de deux showcases the heartache of the young lovers as they share a desperate, emotional farewell. The slow, tender movements highlight the anguish of their impending separation.
• The Final Tomb Scene: A heart-wrenching conclusion to the ballet, this scene depicts Juliet awakening to find Romeo dead from poison. Her sorrow is expressed through intense, sorrowful choreography, leading to her tragic suicide. The stillness in this moment contrasts with the earlier passion, leaving the audience emotionally devastated.
• Dance of the Capulets: A formal and rigid group dance during the Capulet ball that foreshadows the tension between the families. The choreography is filled with sharp, controlled movements, reflecting the conflict simmering beneath the surface.

What to Watch For:

• Balcony Pas de Deux: Observe the flowing, lyrical quality of the choreography as Romeo and Juliet express their newfound love. The emotional intensity builds through soaring lifts and tender moments of connection.
• Sword Fights and Drama: The fight scenes, especially between Romeo and Tybalt, are highly physical and charged with energy. The dancers must combine strong technique with dramatic intensity to convey the violent clash of emotions.
• Emotional Arc: From the light, playful interactions in their early meetings to the devastation of the tomb scene, Romeo and Juliet’s emotional journey is vividly portrayed through Prokofiev’s music and the ballet’s passionate choreography.
• Corps de Ballet Precision: The ballroom scenes, particularly during the Capulet ball, feature intricate formations and ensemble work that mirror the rigid societal rules and family conflict.

Famous Performances: Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn performed one of the most celebrated versions. The Royal Ballet’s and Bolshoi Ballet’s productions are particularly renowned.