The premiere of the ballet 'Romeo and Juliet' at the Latvian National Opera on October 24, 2014

Libretto by Sergei Prokofiev, Adrian Piotrovsky, Sergei Radlov and Leonid Lavrovsky, based on William Shakespeare’s tragedy. Conception and staging by Valentina Turcu, choreography by Valentina Turcu and Leo Mujic.

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.

Chorographer Valentina Turcu: ‘The concept and interpretation are based on classical ballet refined by contemporary approach, integrating dramatic acting, non-conventional set design, and minimalistic, functional and reduced, Renaissance-inspired aesthetics. The difference between this ballet and many others is that we are confronting real people, their relationships and not some fantasy beings. Story talks about passionate people, vulnerable and brave, who are creating love as well as chaos and death.’

Premiere of the production at the Slovene National Theatre 'Maribor' on November 9, 2012. 

Further performances in Latvian National Opera on October 25, November 6, 19, and December 17.