The encore performance of Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette opens in less than a month as a result of the beautiful collaboration we have been fortunate enough to form with the talented staff of Les Ballets de Monte Carlo. Last year they sent two brilliant members of their team, artistic assistant to Jean-Christophe Maillot, Giovanna Lorenzoni, and principal dancer, Asier Uriagereka, to stage our maiden production. The dancers worked closely with the stagers not only to learn the steps, but also to explore the emotions of this work, which is the preeminent version of Romeo and Juliet of our era. This month we are pleased to welcome Mr. Uriagereka -who has portrayed both the roles of Roméo and Tybalt for Les Ballets de Monte Carlo- back to our studios to help us prepare to lift the curtain on this production once again.

I’m thrilled for an opportunity to present this work again so soon. This gives our dancers who were focused on a myriad of elements last time, like getting the steps right and understanding the musicality, a chance to connect to their characters in an even deeper way. I’m really excited that they get a chance to do this because it offers them rich potential for artistic growth and has set in motion another wave of creativity that will manifest during their second presentation of the production. I think it’s going to be really special.

Coupled with the Atlanta Ballet, the orchestra performs Prokofiev’s score, with great talent and stretto to portray sword fighting with no weapons. Christian and Alessa, our Roméo and Juliette, share a creative journey that deepens their understanding of their characters. This is something that will resonate with you whether you joined us for the production last year or if this will be your first time.

This production and the ability to perform it again, allowing all of us to experience it in new and deeper ways, correlates with our vision for Atlanta Ballet. We are determined to present you with distinctive live productions and performances of works that really matter in this era of dance and will resonate with audiences in a number of ways. Whether that’s a beloved version of Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker, a returning favorite like Roméo et Juliette, a brand new work like Camino Real, or one of many selections from our mixed repertory productions, they all matter. They allow our dancers and artistic staff to embrace extraordinary dance from across the world and embark on a creative journey that I’m very proud we’re able to bring you along on with us.

I hope you enjoy the ride.

John McFall
Artistic Director
Atlanta Ballet

John McFall. Photo by Charlie McCullers.