Romeo et Juliet

Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers will again be set in motion in Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Romeo + Juliet, an exquisite, full-length production, considered one of company’s crown jewels. Danced to Prokofiev’s iconic score and given a sumptuous 16th century Verona setting by creator Rudi van Dantzig, this classic ballet captivates with riveting sword fights, compelling drama, and breathtaking classical choreography. 

Romeo et Juliet

“Rudi van Dantzig was an artist of the rarest caliber; a writer, dancer, and choreographer, whose aesthetic instincts were matched only by his strong opinions and political voice,” according to André Lewis, Artistic Director. “Though no longer with us, he left behind a great legacy of works including this stunning Romeo + Juliet. Created for the Dutch National Ballet (where he was Artistic Director), his vision of the Bard’s story is poetic, exciting, and deeply romantic.”

Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Romeo et Juliet
[Amanda Green, Liang Xing; photo by Réjean Brandt Photography]

The opportunity to dance the role of Juliet has become a rite of passage for female members of the RWB, having been previously performed by such luminaries as Evelyn Hart, Tara Birtwhistle, and Vanessa Lawson. In Vancouver, the role will be danced by rising star and first-cast Amanda Green, who was made Principal last year.

Romeo et Juliet
[Romeo et Juliet; photo by Bruce Monk]

Romeo + Juliet’s timeless narrative stays faithful to Shakespeare’s version, beginning with a feuding clash between the Capulets and Montagues, progressing to the young lovers meeting at a grand ball, and the sealing of their fate in the unforgettable balcony scene. Their love becomes their undoing, as events and fate conspire toward a tragic, yet breathtakingly romantic end.

Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet Presents Romeo + Juliet

Dates: January 30 and 31, 8 pm; February 1, 2 pm and 8 pm
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 649 Cambie Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $29 to $89 (plus fees); available online via Ticketmaster or via phoning 1.855.985.ARTS

About Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Founded in 1939, Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet holds the double distinction of being Canada’s premier ballet company and the longest continuously operating ballet company in North America. Versatility, technical excellence and a captivating style are the trademarks of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, qualities that have garnered both critical and audience acclaim.

3 Comments

  • Comment by Sharon — January 22, 2014 @ 10:39 pm

    There isn’t mention of musicians involved, and I’m assuming that the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra isn’t coming with the ballet so…who is performing the music (and if it’s not live who performed it for the recording?)

  • Comment by Ariane Colenbrander — January 23, 2014 @ 2:33 pm

    Hi Sharon, Just found out that recording (courtesy of Universal Music Canada) is of the Kirov Orchestra under the direction of conductor Valery Gergiev.

  • Pingback by A Battle of Turf and Love: Broadway Across Canada's West Side Story | Vancouverscape — February 5, 2014 @ 2:01 pm

    […] have been inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, I found that the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s dance performance last weekend at the same venue contained more passion — without one word being uttered. The […]

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