Romeo and Juliet Ballet

ROMEO AND JULIET – BALLETTO DI MILANO | Dance

Ballet in two acts
Music: Pëtr Il'ič Čajkovskij
Loosely inspired by the tragedy of William Shakespeare
Choreography: Federico Veratti
Organization: Antico Teatro Pagliano

Duration: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, including intermission

As an ambassador of Italian dance, bringing its extraordinary performances around the world, Balletto di Milano is supported by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and collaborates with prestigious theatres. This production of the greatest love story remains faithful to Shakespeare’s tragedy. A symphony of gold and silver dominates the stage, both in the splendid costumes of the two rival families symbolized by these colors and in Marco Pesta’s scenography. The dazzling gold of the Capulets shines during the ball where the two young lovers first meet, only to encounter each other again under Juliet’s balcony. In the choreography, the richness of ensemble dances stands out, the search for a personal aesthetic is heightened in the emotional pas de deux, and classical virtuosity merges harmoniously with modern expressions, demonstrating technical mastery through varied dynamics and approaches. The ballet adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy celebrates love that survives beyond death. Fate tries to separate them, and the ending is tragically well-known, yet love triumphs. The young couple runs hand in hand amid a glow of light reflecting the colors of the two rival houses.

The heads of the Capulet and Montague families, Veronese nobles divided by an intense rivalry due to an ancient hatred, confront each other when Romeo Montague arrives with his friends Mercutio and Benvolio. Tybalt, heir to the Capulet family and Juliet’s cousin, also arrives in the square, sparking yet another quarrel. Preparations are underway in the Capulet house for the following day’s masked ball. Juliet is with her nurse when friends and her mother join her to help with the preparations. Romeo, accompanied by Mercutio and Benvolio, sneaks into the Capulets’ masked ball and meets Juliet at the dance. The young couple falls in love at first sight, discovering their true identities only afterward. Juliet is introduced to Count Paris, to whom she has been promised in marriage by her father without her knowledge. After the ball, Romeo returns to the Capulet house to meet Juliet, and despite their families’ rivalry, they pledge eternal love and plan to marry as soon as possible. A fight breaks out in the square between Tybalt and the Montague youths, while Romeo, with the help of Juliet’s nurse, receives a message from his beloved to come to her and marry her. The young couple secretly marries with Friar Laurence’s consent, unbeknownst to their families.

Program and cast