Romeo and Juliet, Rudolf Nureyev’s ballet at the Opéra Bastille: revisiting the myth

À Opéra BastilleRomeo and Juliet returns as a landmark for the Parisian stage. Rudolf Nureyev ‘s ballet pits the ardor of the lovers against the mechanics of a city in crisis. The audience is treated to a vivid, precise and always up-to-date fresco.

A new interpretation by Rudolf Nureyev

Nureyev places the tragedy in the heart of the street, near the markets and brawls. Verona’s life circulates in every entrance, every crowd, every duel. Love doesn’t erase violence; it reveals it.

The narrative moves forward in short, clear scenes, like a film. What’s more, the sets structure the space and underline the tensions between the clans. We follow the myth without detour, in a ballet that favors legible action.

The characters gain in relief, without superfluous speech. Gestures, on the other hand, tell of choices, fear and bravery. Romeo, Juliet, Mercutio and Tybalt each carry a precise choreographic accent.

“Love is invented, but the city imposes its rules and its walls.”

Prokofiev’s music, a city in tension

Serge Prokofiev ‘s score guides every dramatic turn. The strings launch the ball, and the brass clash in the duels. The ballet is built on this pulse, outlining ardor and danger.

The pit sets the mood with controlled energy. And the musical transitions help the eye move from the crowd to the duo. As a result, the narrative gains breath without losing its precision.

• Venue: Opéra Bastille, large stage and studied visibility
• Choreography: Rudolf Nureyev, dramatic and urban retelling
• Music: Serge Prokofiev, rhythmic tension and lyricism
• Performers : Stars, Soloists and Corps de l’Opéra national de Paris
• Tips: arrive early, anticipate access and egress

Light sculpts the stones, arcades and squares. Yet nothing overwhelms the dancers: the set design supports the legibility of the trajectories. The ballet thus gains a grand scale without diluting its intimacy.

Cast, sets and gestures that tell the story

Depending on the evening, the cast alternates between Étoiles, Premiers danseurs and Corps de ballet. Each couple brings its own temperament: fiery, tender or defiant. The audience feels the nuances of interpretation first-hand.

Opéra national de Paris – Romeo and Juliet: tickets from €100 to €170. Choice varies according to date and cast.

The duets move forward with straightforward lifts and breathy silences. In this way, Nureyev favors passages where listening to the stage is almost audible. This ballet finds its heart in mutual listening and risk-taking.

Street scenes demand group precision. In short, trajectories intersect, mapping out the city in motion. Each chorus reinforces the dramaturgy with a collective energy.

Practical information for your party

Plan to arrive early so you can pass through the checkpoints calmly. What’s more, the auditorium is vast; check your entrance door on the ticket. You’ll experience the wait as a moment to get into the rhythm of the show.

The Bastille district is well served by public transport. On the other hand, traffic can be heavy on the way out. So anticipate your return journey, especially with children.

Clothing is free, with a preference for comfort. So remember to pack a light layer, as temperatures can vary. First-time spectators often appreciate a room program to help them get their bearings.

Why this classic still speaks today

The hatred of clans is reminiscent of very contemporary fractures. The choreographic gesture brings into play fear, pride and shame. Young people seek a space to love, despite the glare of others.

Nureyev’s reading questions individual responsibility. Every choice made on stage costs money and leaves a mark. The audience is treated to a fable about loyalty, forgiveness and time.

Group language holds a mirror up to society. As a result, processions, balls and duels function as forums. Ballet becomes a chronicle of collective behavior.

It’s easy to see why this work is so often on the bill. The power of the music sustains the emotion right up to the last breath. The precision of the choreography conjures up images that linger long in the memory.

• ballet