On February 9 and 10, the Astana Ballet Theater will present a bright premiere for 2023 - a large-scale performance of “Romeo and Juliet” to the music of Sergei Prokofiev in the choreography of the Honored Artist of Russia and the Republic of Tatarstan Vladimir Yakovlev. The screenings will be accompanied by the theater's symphony orchestra under the direction of chief conductor Arman Urazgaliev.
Romeo and Juliet is a timeless classic that never loses its relevance, having been retold and performed many times, but each new performance conveys its own unique energy and interpretation. The eternal story of the young lovers of Verona is still relevant and interesting for different generations of viewers, where everyone finds and draws parallels with the life stories of their contemporaries, where even today the right to high true love does not go to everyone.
Shakespeare's immortal tragedy found its new embodiment on the stage of the capital's theater. The choreographer turned a three-act ballet into a two-act one, making it more lively, dynamic, with an abundance of pantomime scenes and battles between two warring Veronese families.
Vladimir Yakovlev's choreographic language is distinguished by its uniqueness: the emphasis is on both romantic scenes and tragic aspects, emphasizing the conflict between two warring families. The fights and duels in the play are carefully thought out, which adds dynamics and tension. The poetry of love of Romeo and Juliet, the humor of Mercutio, the innocence of the Nurse, the wisdom of Lorenzo, the cruelty of Tybalt, the festive and restless color of the Italian streets, the drama of death scenes - all this is embodied in the performance.
It is also worth highlighting the musical accompaniment of the performance: the brilliant music performed by the orchestra under the direction of Arman Urazgaliev has become a favorite for many theater fans, as it clearly reveals the main conflict of love between the young heroes. The musicians color Prokofiev's soulful melodies with a wide variety of emotions and subtle sensual sounds.
A light, laconic set design that does not overload the stage and is quickly changed, colorful costumes create the atmosphere of people’s life, the interior of the houses of the Verona nobility, the interior decoration of the chapel of Father Lorenzo and the family crypt of the Capulet family, allowing fans of choreographic art to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Renaissance.
On different days, the main roles will be performed by: Romeo - Sundet Sultanov and Wesley Carvalho, Juliet - Nazerke Aimukhametova and Natalia Fernandez Menes, Tybalt - Farhad Buriev and Bauyrzhan Buranbaev, Mercutio - Erkanat Ermagambet, Benvolio - Nurzat Berikkazyuly, Paris - Wesley Carvalho and Sundet Sultanov, Lord Capulet - Ildar Shakirzyanov, Lady Capulet - Assel Zhangaskayeva and Riza Kanatkyzy, Nurse - Shyryn Zaichikova.
The events will take place with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.