Romeo and Juliet at Adelaide Festival Centre - Review

Post

Subscribe

Thu 16 Nov 2017

Russia has for a long time been known as the epicentre of ballet culture. Throughout the years they have developed a reputation for delivering the best dancers and productions in the world. As a result, there a number of large and talented ballet companies and theatres that come out of Russia. Touring the world and displaying to the public iconic performances of Don Quixote, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and more, Russia prides itself on these performances that are exported internationally. No more is this prestige on display than with the Russian National Ballet Theatre. A jewel of Russia, the theatre is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. With Russia's backing, the theatre brings together the brightest and most promising young talent with a high creative potential that Russia has to offer.

The Russian National Ballet Theatre is run by artistic Director Evgeny Amosov, who has been awarded the title, "Honoured artist of Russia." They are coached by incomparable Evgenya Rytova. Together, they seek to preserve the heritage of classical and contemporary ballet of Russia while searching for new forms of choreography.

The Russian National Ballet Theatre tour around the world to countries such as USA, China, Italy, France and many more, showcasing a number of acts. They have visited Australia a number of times and this year bring to the stage the entertaining Nutcracker and the Shakespearean staple, Romeo and Juliet. The Nutcracker was shown on the 14th and 15th of November and they ended with Romeo and Juliet on the 16th.

Romeo and Juliet is the classic Shakespearean tragedy of love and adversity. Set in the picturesque Italian town of Verona, Romeo and Juliet depicts the powerful and whimsical romance of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. Two characters who are destined to be together despite the blood feud that tears their families apart. Romeo and Juliet go against the odds to be happy together however a turn of events has the couple end in heartache and tragedy.

Romeo and Juliet is an eternal and unforgettable story and it is told with utmost care and passion by every member of the Russian National Ballet Theatre crew. The main soloists are Iuliia Nepomniashchaia playing Juliet and Parkhachev Filipp as Romeo. Together they weave this everlasting tale. Two amazing performers who demonstrate an affinity and chemistry with one another as they depict the romance of Romeo and Juliet. The show has multiple dances which just have them expressing their love and passion for one another through their steps and actions. The two soloists are experts at their craft and express a partnership which seems genuine and heartfelt on stage.

Romeo and Juliet is a sad tale, however, the mood is held up by the effort of the principal dancers. An always jovial Mercutio and friendly Benvolio help keep the first act light and entertaining. Mercutio's performance is an honourable mention with his fun and rambunctious antics giving the audience a terrific display of fast-paced technique and acute characterisation. Other principals like Tybalt and Count Paris all do their part to evoke the right emotions and reactions throughout the performance. The show is further supported by an extensive Corps de ballet. A well-choreographed group of performers who come together to help build the environment and vibe of 16th century Italy. The opalescence and politesse of Italian nobility is all on display as the Corps de ballet produce the theme and scenes for soloists and principals to perform within.

As with all Russian performances, an eye for detail has been put into the costuming and set design. While not as complex as The Nutcracker, the beautifully painted backdrops and simple costuming help the characters come to life and allow the audience to immerse themselves in the world of this Shakespeare classic.

Once again, the Russian National Theatre have proven themselves to be at the top of the international ballet world. They continue to provide their audiences with world-class performances that showcase the best and brightest dancers that Russia has to offer. It seems they don't ever disappoint. They will most definitely be back in Australia soon and if you are a lover of ballet or good theatre, I suggest you give them a look.

#adelaide_city
#ballet
#dancing
#performing_arts
#romantic
#theatre
#theatre -reviews
#november
!date 16/11/2017 -- 16/11/2017
%wnadelaide