You need to accept cookies to get access to the professional section
Music: Hector Berlioz, Symph. dramatique, op.17 (1839) Text: Emile Deschamps after William Shakespeare Choreography : Sasha Waltz Sasha Waltz’s version of Romeo and Juliet is set in another universe: an abstract, fractured one. Many moments reference Shakespeare’s play, making us sure we’re watching Romeo and Juliet’s story. Yet this Roméo et Juliette lacks many of the play’s hallmarks: there’s no Benvolio, Paris, or Rosaline; no Mercutio or Tybalt. Instead, we have three main characters – Roméo, Juliette, and Père Laurence – along with a corps de ballet of nine women and ten men, three opera singers, and a large, singing chorus. The singers are frequently onstage during the performance.
The legend of the martyred lovers of Verona, immortalised by Shakespeare in the 16th century, is revisited for the Paris Opera Ballet by one of the key figures of contemporary dance, Sasha Waltz. Won over by the powerfully sombre romanticism of Berlioz’s dramatic symphony, the choreographer draws inspiration from the score to combine music, song and dance on the stage. She distances herself from all forms of narration to evoke the emotion inherent in this tragic love story. The ballet becomes timeless and explores the relationship between love and death, and the obstacles which, even today, continue to separate those who love each other. Nimble, elegant gestures accompany the fire and passion of the young lovers to their final resting place.
Aurélie Dupont (Juliette), Hervé Moreau (Roméo), Nicolas Paul (Père Laurence ) Premiers danseurs and Corps de ballet de l’Opéra national de Paris Orchestra Conductor Paris Opera Orchestra and Chorus Conductor: Vello Pähn, Stéphanie d’Oustrac: Mezzo-soprano, Yann Beuron: Tenor, Nicolas Cavallier: Basse
Choreography: Sasha Waltz (Paris national opera, 2007), Sets: P. Maier-Schriever, T. Schenk and S. Waltz, Costumes: Bernd Skodzig, Lighting: David Finn
French
English, French
Production compagny : Bel Air Media
Coproduction compagny : Opéra national de Paris, Telmondis, 3sat
Running Time : 1x100’
Production Year : 2012
Distribution compagny : Telmondis distribution
Video Format : HD CAM, Digibeta 16/9