Romeo and Juliet
Royal New Zealand Ballet
Tegent Theatre, Saturday, May 20
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene ... The woeful tale of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet is not new to us, but, just once we hold out hope for a happy ending.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet have delivered a masterful performance for Dunedin’s first ballet of the year, to a near full house.
Romeo and Juliet was last seen in 2017 under then artistic director Francesco Ventriglia.
For this production, Andrea Schermoly offers a fresh set of choreographic eyes adding a lightness and humour not often associated with this enduring and heartbreaking love story.
Her harlots, Kirby Selchow in particular, are a playful highlight and a very empathetic Schermoly makes the viewer feel genuinely sorry for Paris and Rosaline — if only they knew neither ever stood a chance!
Romeo’s "brothers" are expertly portrayed by Dane Head (Mercutio), whose bravado and charisma is plain to see; and Jake Gisby’s Benvolio, loyal, precise and light-footed is certainly one to watch.
Schermoly’s choreography paired with Prokofiev’s dramatic and emotive score are two outstanding reasons to see this ballet, though it is the lavish set and costume design from Academy Award winner James Acheson that are utterly breathtaking.
Lush, rich velvets, stunning headdresses and grand sets add a sumptuousness and opulence, which transported the audience to a beguiling Renaissance Italy.
Romeo (Joshua Guillemot-Rodgerson) and Juliet (Kate Kadow) are beautifully partnered, he with his boyish charm and good looks, and her with a subtle, yet alluring innocence.
Act II’s ballroom scene, where our lovers first meet, was also the scene that brought full drama to the performance — completely stunning and entirely consuming.
What would then transpire is nothing short of tragedy: rivalry giving way to hatred, revenge, death then banishment followed by more death. Could this story get any worse?
A special mention must go to Ana Gallardo Lobaina as Lady Capulet, I thought Abagail Boyle’s couldn’t be rivalled, but Lobaina’s steely resolve and gravitas was palpable.
Other standouts, Mayu Tanigaito and Katherine Minor were delightful, if not a little wasted as Juliet’s friends.
This magnificent production is a visual triumph. Pomp, ceremony and just a little something else.
It is why Romeo and Juliet will forever be one of the world’s greatest love stories, even in death love still conquered all.
