The jewel in the crown of the Birmingham Royal Ballet's Shakespeare season (perhaps aside from David Bintley's new Tempest), this production of Kenneth MacMillan's Romeo & Juliet has been a hotly anticipated production for many months. Although many choreographers have tackled Prokoviev's delicious, sweeping score, few, if any, others have achieved the dramatic sublimity of MacMillan's work.
This is a production of significant grandeur, set off to perfection by Paul Andrew's designs. Every scene could have been plucked from the painting of an Old Master, with a rich palette of reds, oranges and greens. The Capulet ballroom is particularly impressive; the ensemble strike dramatic poses - all arched backs and exaggerated hand movements - perfectly aligned with an imposing backdrop of arches, as though the ballet is a High Renaissance painting come to life.Romeo & Juliet is a tale of extreme contrasts, and Prokoviev's score reflects this at every turn. From the scintillating build of the Act 1 ballet scene, right through to the bold march at the Capulet's masked ball, the music is imperative to our understanding of the narrative. The Royal Ballet Sinfonia play exquisitely; I feel shivers down my spine as the high, haunting violins induced Juliet to drink her sleeping potion.It is hard to imagine another ballet which could so capture the hearts and minds of the audience. By the time we arrive at the heart wrenching bedroom pas de deux, and Romeo must take his leave, the audience share Juliet's fierce desperation as she clings, kisses and cries simultaneously.
Iain Mackay and Jenna Roberts are so committed to their roles that they can barely smile when they first emerge to take a curtain call, which is testament to their absolute unswerving commitment to their characters. The audience have shared their heartbreak and joy, their pleasure and pain, all whilst swept away on a beautiful tide of music and awe-inspiring dance.
The Birmingham Royal Ballet's Romeo & Juliet is a uniquely exquisite and emotional experience; one that I will watch again, and again, and again.Photo: Roy Smiljanic
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