This Spring, the Royal Ballet is set to enchant audiences once again with its opulent rendition of Swan Lake, gracing the grand stage of the Royal Opera House. Starting in Spring and returning for an encore in Summer, this production continues to hold a special place in the hearts of ballet enthusiasts, firmly establishing itself as a beloved gem within the classical ballet repertoire. It demands from its dancers a delicate touch, an aura of grace, and a profound mastery of virtuosic technique as they step into the pivotal roles.
This reimagined version of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov’s monumental masterpiece, crafted by the late choreographer Liam Scarlett, stands as a testament to his enduring admiration for classicism and innate musicality. Complemented by Tchaikovsky’s sublime and haunting score and adorned with dazzling designs by John Macfarlane, the production is a mesmerizing tapestry of enchanting solos, breathtaking pas de deux, and atmospheric corps de ballet sequences. It captures the entwined destiny of Prince Siegfried and Odette, whose love story unfolds over two acts, marred by the malevolent presence of Von Rothbart.
Within a rich array of talented dancers, two remarkable artists step into the spotlight for the first time in some of the most demanding roles in the ballet repertoire. Mariko Sasaki makes her debut in the dual role of Odette/Odile, while Joseph Sissens takes on the role of Prince Siegfried, embodying the complexity and depth of these iconic characters.
In an exciting addition to the production, ballet enthusiasts around the world can experience the magic of Swan Lake on the big screen as it is broadcast live to cinemas worldwide on Wednesday, April 24th. This cinematic presentation will feature Principal dancers Yasmine Naghdi and Matthew Ball in the lead roles, ensuring that audiences everywhere can savor the splendor of this timeless ballet. For those who miss the live broadcast, encore screenings will be available starting Sunday, April 28th.
In addition to a full stage run, from 6th March – 11th May and again from 12th – 28th June, Swan Lake will be broadcast live to cinemas across the world on 24th April 2024.
Royal Opera House, Bow St, London WC2E 9DD
