The Performing Arts Center will present the State Ballet Theatre of Russia in performances of Romeo and Juliet Jan. 17-18 at 8 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre. Tickets are $45-$55 with discounts for UGA students.
The popular story ballet will feature classic Russian choreography accompanied by the music of Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev, renowned for writing the fairy tale set to music. His scores include Peter and the Wolf and Cinderella.
The concept for Romeo and Juliet began when St. Petersburg’s Kirov Ballet approached Prokofiev with the idea of creating a new full-length ballet. The composer looked to Shakespeare’s tragic love story for inspiration. However, the composer’s choice of subject matter proved controversial, and the project was taken over by the Bolshoi Ballet.
The problem was the ending of the story. As Prokofiev later put it, “Living people can dance, the dying cannot.” Over the years, Romeo and Juliet has taken its place as one of the most beloved and frequently performed ballets in the world.
The State Ballet Theatre of Russia is the touring name of the Voronezh State Theatre of Opera and Ballet, which was established in 1961. The State Ballet Theatre boasts a company of more than 50 dancers and is recognized as one of Russia’s most distinguished ballet companies.
Lisa Fusillo, head of the department of dance, will give a pre-concert lecture at 7:15 p.m. before each Romeo and Juliet performance.
Tickets can be purchased online at pac.uga.edu or by calling the Performing Arts Center box office at 706-542-4400.