Mikhailovsky Theatre
| 17 July |
| 19:00 |
| 2026 | Friday |
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Russian Classical Ballet Stars at the Mikhailovsky Theatre Romeo and Juliet (ballet in three acts (thirteen scenes)) Ballet in 2 acts
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World premiere: 11 Jan 1940 Kirov Theatre of Opera and Ballet (Mariinsky), Leningrad Premiere of this production: 13 Dec 2012 The performance has 1 intermission Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes
The Mikhailovsky Theatre, standing proudly in the heart of Saint Petersburg since 1833, continues to showcase the finest talent trained in the city’s prestigious conservatories, many of whom have performed on the Mariinsky stage. This season, the theatre presents Romeo and Juliet, the timeless Shakespearean tragedy brought to life through ballet. Passionate duets, sweeping ensembles, and dramatic choreography capture the intensity of first love and the heartbreak of fate. Every leap and pirouette conveys the story’s emotional depth, promising an unforgettable evening of artistry and romance. Libretto by Nacho Duato after William Shakespeare
Nacho Duato has staged his own version of the celebrated ballet Romeo and Juliet because he is convinced that „Sergey Prokofiev’s score is the most amazing thing that has ever been created for the ballet stage“. The choreographer follows the music, with every image, every moment expressed in dance. The dramatic story of two lovers unfolds against a background of life in an Italian city where nothing stands still, not even for a moment. Lyric scenes alternate with depictions of street festivities in a commedia dell’arte style, rudely interrupted by the skirmishes between the warring clans. In Duato’s production, the set design is by Jaffar Chalabi, the lighting by Brad Fields, and the costumes by Angelina Atlagić. SynopsisAct one
A market in Verona. Romeo of the Montague family is hopelessly in love with the beautiful Rosaline. His friends Mercutio and Benvolio try to cheer him up. A quarrel between Romeo and Tybalt, the nephew of the Capulet family, escalates into a fight. The Duke of Verona appears and stops the warring sides.
Juliet’s room. Juliet is frolicking and playing with her Nurse. Her parents, Signora and Signor Capulet, appear to introduce her to Paris, a young, wealthy nobleman who is asking for her hand in marriage.
A ball at the Capulet house. In the midst of the celebration, Romeo and his friends appear in disguise. The guests’ attention is drawn to the dancing Juliet. Mercutio, noticing that Romeo is only watching her, tries to divert his friend’s attention, but Tybalt recognises Romeo.
Juliet’s balcony. Unable to sleep, Juliet steps out onto the balcony. She thinks of Romeo. Suddenly, he appears in the garden. They confess their love for each other.
Act two
A market. Romeo thinks only of Juliet. Seeing the wedding procession, he dreams of the day when they will be married. The nurse delivers a letter to Romeo a letter, in which he learns that Juliet agrees to be his wife.
A chapel. Father Lorenzo secretly marries the young couple, hoping that this union will end the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets.
In the square, Tybalt starts a quarrel with Mercutio and kills him. Romeo avenges his friend’s death by killing Tybalt. His punishment is exile from Verona.
Juliet’s bedroom. Romeo has come to say goodbye. At dawn, the lovers part. Juliet’s parents appear, accompanied by Paris. Juliet refuses him. Signor and Signora Capulet insist on her marriage to Paris.
Juliet runs to Father Lorenzo for help. He gives her a potion that will make her fall into a death-like sleep. When she is laid in the family crypt, Romeo, informed by the friar, will come to take her away.
Juliet’s bedroom. In the evening, Juliet agrees to marry Paris, but the next morning the Nurse finds her lifeless.
The Capulet family crypt. Upon hearing of Juliet’s death, Romeo returns to Verona. Finding Paris by Juliet’s body, Romeo kills him. Believing that Juliet is dead, Romeo drinks poison. Juliet, awakening, sees Romeo’s corpse and stabs herself.
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Romeo and Juliet (ballet in three acts (thirteen scenes))
on the playbill |
Mariinsky Theatre: 
Mariinsky-2 (New Theatre): 
Mariinsky Concert Hall: 
