The Munich Ballet will be performing the prestigious ballet choreographed by Marius Petipa and composed by Ludwig Minkus: La Bayadère, from 30 May to 2 June at the Teatro Real
First performed in St. Petersburg (Russia) in 1877, it is set in ancient India and follows a tragic love story and conflict between two worlds: the sacred and the earthly. It features Nikiya, a Bayadère (a kind of priestess or sacred dancer in a Hindu temple) who is in love with a warrior called Solor. Solor also loves Nikiya, but he is engaged to Gamzatti, the Rajah's daughter.
Gamzatti senses the attraction between Solor and Nikiya, and everything gets complicated when the Rajah finally discovers the love between them. After which, obfuscated by Solor's betrayal, he plots to separate them.
This show is famous for its exquisite choreography, captivating music and stunning costumes. In addition, one of its most applauded scenes is the third act, known as the Kingdom of Shades, where the temple dancers are displayed in an ethereal and supernatural vision. Although it was not initially a big hit, over time it has become one of the most acclaimed ballets in the classical repertoire.
The Munich Ballet was founded in 1988 by Konstanze Vernon as an independent company and was later integrated into the Bayerische Staatsoper. Vernon was the ensemble's director for the first ten years and was succeeded by Ivan Liška. Since 2016, Igor Zelensky from Russia has been in charge. The ensemble is made up of international dancers and has a repertoire of more than 80 shows, ranging from romantic ballet to the 21st century.
Artistic File:
- Choreography - Patrice Bart
- Original Choreography - Marius Petipa
- Stage Design and Wardrobe - Tomio Mohri
- Lighting - Maurizio Montobbio
- Costume-Maker - Kumiko Sakurai
- Orchestra Conductor - Kevin Rhodes
Programme:
- Music - Ludwig Minkus (1826-1917) with adaptation by Maria Babanina
- Libretto - Marius Petipa and Serguéi Khudekov
- Premièred at the Teatro Imperial Bolshói Kámenny on 4 February 1877
- Premièred at the Teatro Real on 4 September 2008
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