EMPIRE THEATRE LIVERPOOL – 14 FEBRUARY 2022
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
5*****
The Russian State Ballet of Siberia is once again touring the UK. Presenting their iconic and classical repertoire of five ballets, brought to life with magical special effects and accompanied by the Russian Ballet Orchestra. They have established themselves as one of Russia’s leading ballet companies and have built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and depth.
Last night the company was in Liverpool, performing the world’s greatest love story, Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s romantic tale of passion and tragedy, brought to life by Sergei Prokofiev’s score, with emotionally charged choreography.
‘Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona, where we lay our scene, from ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes a pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life; whole misadventured piteous overthrows do with their death bury their parents’ strife’. Romeo and Juliet (1.1)
Most people are very familiar with the story of the doomed lovers Romeo and Juliet and it was wonderful to watch the journey of their love until its poignant end.
The choreography, by Sergei Bobrov was excellent and brought to life the story through mesmerizing dance variations. I was in awe at the talent and stamina of all the dancers and to think that they perform five different ballets on different days, each ballet with technically difficult and different steps. The lighting was beautiful and the simplicity added alluring detail that enhanced the overall feel of the ballet. The set, designed by Dmitry Tcherbadzhi was very simple, with back projections transporting us to fair Verona. Tcherbadzhi also designed the costumes, which were frankly striking, especially the ‘silent choir of the menacing Heralds of Death masked’, in funereal black. By using different colours red and blue, it also helped the audience distinguish between who were Capulet’s and who were Montague’s.
I would highly recommend The Russian State Ballet of Siberia in any of their five productions; The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Snow Maiden, Cinderella, and Romeo and Juliet, their dancing is exceptional, accompanied by beautiful music. Their tour is on until the end of March. If you get the chance to watch any of these ballets, you will not be disappointed.