Audiences in the new city are in for a treat when English National Ballet returns to Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday (October 20), writes Georgina Butler.
The world-class classical ballet company will perform two critically-acclaimed productions as part of its autumn tour to the venue: ‘Lest We Forget’ and ‘Romeo & Juliet’.
Triple bill ‘Lest We Forget’ is a poignant reflection on World War One, created in collaboration with three contemporary choreographers and commissioned to commemorate last year’s Centenary of the First World War. ‘Romeo & Juliet’ is Rudolf Nureyev’s faithful interpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless love story, featuring inventive, passionate choreography.
Artistic director Tamara Rojo said: “Touring to audiences outside of London is something I think is truly important and I am very proud that this season we will present both full scale ballets and new works.”
As a lead principal dancer and the driving force behind the Company, prima ballerina Tamara Rojo is determined to continue to honour the tradition of great classical ballet while embracing change. She is dedicated to helping the art form to evolve in a way that allows it to engage future generations. ‘Lest We Forget’ is her first commission of new works for English National Ballet and the first step in this direction.
Winner of this year’s South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance, ‘Lest We Forget’ features three works expressing the experiences of those who fought in the war, and those who stayed behind. These have been created by three of the most sought-after British choreographers working today: Akram Khan, Russell Maliphant and Liam Scarlett.
The captivating programme opens with ‘No Man’s Land’ by Liam Scarlett. This emotional piece explores relationships in war and the loss and longing felt by women left behind by their partners. Russell Maliphant’s athletic ensemble piece ‘Second Breath’ follows and focuses on the sacrifice of men in war. Finally, Akram Khan’s atmospheric ‘Dust’ looks at the empowerment of women in war and how they became the main workforce in the country.
Tamara Rojo said: "When Lest We Forget premiered last year, it was one of my proudest moments as artistic director so far. To create new works with three of today's most celebrated choreographers was a great privilege. And needless to say, the reaction from critics and our audiences has been both humbling and incredibly moving.”
Rudolf Nureyev created his ‘Romeo & Juliet’ especially for English National Ballet in 1977 to celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. Set to Prokofiev’s score (which is played live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic), Nureyev’s interpretation of the world’s greatest love story has been performed by English National Ballet across the world to critical acclaim.
Sumptuous costumes and sets will transport audiences to Renaissance Verona, where the feud between the Capulet and Montague families tarnishes everything. Amidst the grandeur of the Capulet’s ball the star-crossed lovers meet, unleashing the most fateful sequence of events.
With sword-fighting; bustling market scenes; tender romance; blazing passion; and, of course, heartrending tragedy, theatregoers should expect to be enthralled by English National Ballet’s stunning ‘Romeo & Juliet’.
English National Ballet will perform ‘Lest We Forget’ at Milton Keynes Theatre on Tuesday October 20 at 7.30pm.
English National Ballet’s ‘Romeo & Juliet’ opens at Milton Keynes Theatre on Thursday October 22 with performances continuing until Saturday October 24.
Call the Box Office on 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.com/venues/miton-keynes-theatre to book.
