In a world where the only things, craved by everybody, were riches, fame, and death of their enemies, they dreamt of life and love… Ballet of Sergey Prokofiev, born from themes of immortal tragedy of William Shakespeare, no doubt, is one of the most popular examples of its genre in the XX century. The staging of Croatian choreographer Valentina Turku offers vision of a dare-devil, sensual and brutal era when matters of life and death often were solved in irrational form and in enflamed atmosphere of passion. The elements of Renaissance painting and architecture, used in the visual design of the production, heighten all yearnings for eternal love, which are equally essential for contemporary man. 

Musical material made available for rent by LE CHANT DU MONDE, Paris

Synopsis

ACT I

A story of two fatally conflicted families, Montagues and Capulets, marked with struggle for supremacy, rival cruelty and never-ending power game.

One Saturday morning in August a conflict between the lords of both families arises. Initial conflict grows into a fight, joined by Tybalt, a nephew of Capulet, and Benvolio, a nephew of Montague. The fight culminates in agony for both families and forms the background of drama throughout the story.

On the same evening, the Capulets organize masked ball for their daughter Juliet, who is betrothed to the rich nobleman Paris. While Juliet prepares for the dance, helped by her Nurse, Montagues' son Romeo, accompanied by his friends Mercutio and Benvolio in disguises, also set out for the event. Hidden behind the mask, Romeo sees Juliet for the first time. They both fall in love at first sight; however Tybalt – a dark, psychotic, suspicious and jealous character – soon recognizes Romeo and orders him to leave.

Romeo, imbued with his feeling, is daydreaming, shadowed by Juliet’s balcony, until his beloved appears; they confess and proclaim eternal love for each other.

ACT II

The townspeople are celebrating on the streets, entertained by charming, animated and provocative Mercurio and his friends as well as comedians. During the joyful event Juliet’s Nurse pushes her way through the crowd to give Romeo a letter from his beloved. Romeo heads for the chapel where the lovers are secretly married. Helping them is Friar Laurence, who hopes their union will end the strife between the conflicted families.

Meanwhile the carnival on the streets is still going on. Suddenly, a conflict arises. Tybalt fights with Mercutio and kills him. In an act of revenge, shocked and desperate Romeo, who just came from his wedding, kills Juliet’s cousin, Tybalt, thus fatally marking the lovers’ future.

Romeo and Juliet make love for the last time, knowing that Romeo must leave town urgently. Juliet’s parents mercilessly persist on her immediate wedding with Paris which breaks Juliet. She has a presentiment of an inevitable fatal end and, after an internal journey through the darkest parts of her soul reflecting her distress, doubts and fears; she decides in favor of love and truth and seeks the help of Friar Laurence. He gives her a potion, which will make her fall into a deathlike sleep. While Juliet puts her trust into God, the news of her staged death reach Romeo in time. Their love is sacrificed because of their families’ hatred, but also finds its ultimate place in eternity.