About the Ballet

Gary Harris, Artistic Director of the Royal New Zealand Ballet, is very enthusiastic about the new season of one of the company’s most success productions.

He writes:

“Romeo and Juliet is without doubt one of the greatest love stories ever told.

It has inspired actors, directors, composers, and artists since Shakespeare's famous play first hit the printing press in 1591, or thereabouts.

There have been many musical interpretations since that time, but it wasn't until 1940 when Sergei Prokoviev wrote his magnificent score for the premier of Lavrovsky's, new production for the Kirov Theatre, starring the legendary Russian ballerina Galina Ulanova that the dance world had a definitive musical version of the play. Since then the music of Prokoviev has inspired choreographers and dancers the world over. In fact, it is now one of the great ‘staple’ works of most ballet companies. Up there with Swan Lake and the Nutcracker. Not bad for a work that at the time, was considered “undanceable”.

The Royal New Zealand Ballet's current production marked the company's 50th Anniversary year in 2003, celebrating not only the love and passion of the characters in the play, but also celebrating the love and passion of all the many people who, over the years have made this company what it is today.

I am thrilled that we are presenting this beautiful ballet again. It wowed audiences in its sell out New Zealand season, and was subsequently part of a hugely successful tour of the UK in 2004, culminating in a Laurence Olivier nomination for best new production at the Sadler’s Well Theatre in London. Also, it's great to welcome back Amy Hollingsworth and Cameron McMillan, two former RNZB dancers who have gone on to forge outstanding careers overseas.”

THE CHARACTERS IN ROMEO AND JULIET

The House of Capulet

Juliet

Juliet, about 14, is the only daughter of Lord and Lady Capulet. Though very youthful she must choose a husband to marry. Bought up as a noble & dignified young woman she is also strong willed. She falls in love at first sight with Romeo, a Montague whose family is feuding with hers.

Lord Capulet

The father of Juliet, Lord Capulet is the head of a very important Veronese family. Though a loving father, he is very authoritarian and demanding.

Lady Capulet

The mother of Juliet. She is rather formal and cold hearted. She is ambitious and wants her daughter to marry a wealthy nobleman. In the RNZB production she is the lover of Tybalt.

Tybalt

Juliet’s cousin. He is hot tempered and full of hatred towards the Montagues. He is always ready to start a fight.

Nurse

Since she was a baby, Juliet has been reared by her nurse, who is not only motherly to Juliet but also her friend and confidante. Loyal to Juliet the nurse acts as a go-between for the lovers.

Paris

Count Paris is betrothed to Juliet. She meets him and at first dutifully dances with him – until she meets Romeo.

The House of Montague

Romeo

The aristocratic son of Lord and Lady Montague. Romeo flirts with Rosalind but his attraction to her is nothing but a diversion of the moment and he is lost when he sets eyes on Juliet. He is suddenly intoxicated by love.

Lord Montague

The father of Romeo, Lord Montague is the head of a family that has been feuding for many years with the Capulets.

Lady Montague

The mother of Romeo and the wife of Lord Montague.

Mercutio

Wild, witty, impulsive and quick with his tongue, Mercutio is Romeo’s best and truest friend. His spirited energy causes him to be fiery & gets him into trouble.

Benvolio

He constantly cautions his friends Romeo and Mercutio to take care. He tries to stop their quarrels with Tybalt.

Friar Laurence

A Franciscan monk. The friar would like to see an end to the feud and therefore is willing to marry Romeo and Juliet in the hope that their love will end the bloodshed and hatred between the Montague and Capulet families.

2003 PRODUCTION OF ROMEO AND JULIET

• Clip twenty eight - Fight in the opening scene
• Clip twenty nine - Ballroom scene
• Clip thirty - Crypt scene at end of Romeo and Juliet