Press Release: Ballet Cymru - Romeo and Juliet Premiere

[Jan McNulty]

PRESS RELEASE

 

Ballet Cymru - Romeo a Juliet

By William Shakespeare

 

From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life

 

Critics Circle Award winning company, Ballet Cymru, present an extraordinary adaptation of Shakespeare’s masterpiece “Romeo a
Juliet”.

 

Intense fighting, passionate duets and universal themes echo through dramatic and lyrical choreography. Exquisite costumes and extraordinary video projections create a world of danger and excitement where two young lovers are caught in an age old feud.

 

“Romeo a Juliet” is a dynamic and unique collaboration between 3 of Wales’ outstanding arts organisations, Ballet Cymru, Coreo Cymru (The Dance Creative Producer for Wales www.coreocymru.com ) and The Riverfront Theatre in Newport (www.newport.gov.uk/theriverfront )

 

"Romeo a Juliet" will feature costumes by Georg Meyer-Wiel (www.meyerwiel.com ) who studied at The Royal College of Art and has created costumes for some of the world’s leading companies including Rambert Dance Company and Australian Dance Theatre.

 

But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.

 

The choreographic team who brought you “Beauty and the Beast” in 2011 and Roald Dahl’s "Little Red Riding Hood & the Three Little Pigs” in 2012, will be joined by co-choreographer Jo Fong. Jo has worked with many companies including Rosas, Rambert Dance Company, and DV8 Physical Theatre.

 

Welsh orchestra Sinfonia Cymru will be providing a live interpretation of Prokofiev’s iconic score at selected venues.

 

Ballet Cymru are a young, vital group of dancers who are pushing back the barriers of classical ballet. Using powerful and timeless
stories the company challenges its dancers to interpret some of the finest characters in literature. Under the Artistic Direction of Darius James the company continues to develop its relationship with audiences through accessible educational workshops and exceptional, stylish performances.

 

In 2006 Ballet Cymru received a National Dance Award, presented at Sadler’s Wells.

 

In 2008 Artistic Director Darius James received a Creative Wales Major Award

 

In 2009 Education Officer Amy Doughty became the fifth Paul Hamlyn Foundation JADE Fellow.

 

In 2010 the Arts Council of Wales awarded Ballet Cymru Revenue Status.

 

In 2011 Ballet Cymru undertook its first overseas tour performing to 1026 people in Trieste and 987 in Como, Italy.

 

In 2012 Ballet Cymru received £139k funding from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation for DUETS – a 3 year programme of education work.

 

In 2013 Artistic Director Darius James was invited to join the London Ballet Circle as Vice-President.

 

These awards and achievements reflect the developing quality of the company in all areas. Productions such as "Under Milk Wood" in 2008, "Beauty and the Beast" in 2011 and Roald Dahl’s "Little Red Riding Hood & The Three Little Pigs" in 2012 have gained excellent reviews in national newspapers and magazines, including Dance Europe, The Independent and The Guardian. The company's commitment to education and participation in dance has resulted in gaining funding from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation to deliver DUETS in collaboration with Rubicon Dance. Ballet Cymru has also established excellent training programmes including the annual summer school, Riverfront Summer Dance, which has seen student participation from all over the world.

 

 

 

[Jan McNulty]

Here is a link to the current tour dates on the Company's website:

 

http://www.welshballet.co.uk/tour-dates/

[thewayforward]

Brilliant company, well worth a watch!