Kirov 'Romeo' reviews all 'Romeo' reviews Ayupova in reviews Fadeyev in reviews recent Kirov reviews more Viviane reviews

Another Kirov-ballet I have noted down in my book of treasures is the "Romeo & Juliet" on the 11th of July. Again a marvellous cast and stirring music (I was completely flabbergasted by the quality of the Maryinski Orchestre, it's always a thrill to feel the music into your bones )

Zhanna Ayupova is a remarkable Juliet : young (yes !), delicate and pure, pure classical style ! Her Romeo was a great surprise, not that I haven't seen Andrian Fadeyev on other occasions, but this Romeo was terrific ! I've found him always a great dancer but imo he's sometimes lacking emotion, fortunately not this time. They made an extremely precious, complete credible partnership.

I must say I had never seen Lavrosky's R&J before : a shame, yes I know ! At first I found it a bit too hectic with so many scenes and elaborate and detailed scenery. I even had problems to distinguish the fighting Capulets and Montagues, some of the costumes were quite similar. But little by little this production stole my heart and I must admit it was a long time ago I enjoyed this ballet that much !

The story isn't complete without Tybalt : a great Ilya Kuznetsov putting a powerfull character on stage (what a shame he's not in the London season !). A superb Benvolio (Baimuradov...yes I have another favourite dancer ), a fine Paris (Vladimir Shizov) and a Mercutio (Vassily Sherbakov) who was maybe too serious, but I love his dancing... It was good to see that the Kirov puts a lot of attention to these secundary roles, I've seen them neglected too many times !

The audience was completely in awe for this production and because it was the last one of the run, the house was -again- completely soldout. I spoke to older people who travelled several hundreds of km.and were happy to find a standing place.

Speaking of standing places, this was the only letdown of the festival. The theatre didn't expect to sell out all 150 standingplaces (only available on the day) as well and this is rather bad organized : no numbering ! so it was a fight from beginning until the end. Glad a good soul rescued me.