Next week, Theatre Royal Brighton hosts the Russian State Ballet of Siberia for three phenomenal performances across three consecutive nights: Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella and Swan Lake. The performances come as part of the company’s UK tour, which also features performances of The Snow Maiden and The Nutcracker.
Founded in Krasnoyarsk, Russia in 1978, the ballet company have achieved international acclaim for their creativity, depth and outstanding physical ability. This year they are headed by artistic director Sergei Bobrov and music director and chief conductor Anatoly Tchepurnoi.
The company’s focus for the season is in merging the classical elements of ballet for which they are so renowned with the digital; each performance features an impressively detailed and ever-changing backdrop which adds an immersive and colourful layer to the dances.
On Monday evening the company will tackle Shakespeare’s infamous tale of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. The adaption was written by Sergei Prokofiev and first performed in Moscow in 1938. Romance and tragedy combine as the celebrated story plays out in Renaissance Verona.
On Tuesday, they will perform the classic fairy-tale Cinderella, also written for the stage by Soviet composer Sergei Provofiev. The ballet is known for its jubilant score, colour, energy and subtle comedy.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake will be performed on Wednesday evening. Based on Russian folklore, the notably older ballet was composed in the 1870s and is recognised worldwide as one of the greatest Romantic ballets ever written. The ballet is notable for its dual role of Odette – a beautiful princess conjured into a swan – and Odile – the malevolent temptress – which features heavily in the 2010 psychological horror film Black Swan starring Natalie Portman.
Romeo and Juliet – Monday 19 February at 7.45pm
Cinderella – Tuesday 20 February at 7.45pm
Swan Lake – Wednesday 21 February at 2.30pm and again at 7.45pm
All performances take place at the Theatre Royal Brighton
Tickets: From £19.40
