07 November - 10 November

ROMЕ́O ET JULIETTE

Ballet to the music of Sergei Prokofiev / Premiere

Main Hall 1000 Sofia, ul. "Vrabcha" №1
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ROMЕ́O ET JULIETTE

Synopsis

Romeo and Juliet

Kaloyan Boyadjiev
Synopsis

Act 1

Act 1 scene 1 - Street of Verona

In the enchanting city of Verona, slumber still holds its grasp, while Romeo, a passionate scion of the Montague, roams aimlessly through the deserted streets, his heart consumed by ethereal fantasies of love. Desperately, he has endeavored to profess his affection to the fair Rosalinda, but alas, her heart remains resolutely closed, denying any response to his ardent devotion.

Romeo:        

“Why then, O brawling love! O loving hate!


O any thing, of nothing first create!


O heavy lightness, serious vanity,
  

Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms,


Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health,


Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is!


This love feel I, that feel no love in this.”

As the first rays of sunlight pierce through the sky, the bustling townsfolk of Verona gather in the vibrant market square. Among them, Benvolio, the nephew of Montague, and Mercutio, a boisterous companion of Romeo, stumble their way back from the tavern, their spirits lifted and their heads slightly clouded by the intoxicating brew. Spotting Romeo in the distance, they cannot resist the opportunity to playfully taunt him about his infatuation with the elusive Rosalinda.

Meanwhile, Tybald, the fiery nephew of the Capulets, emerges from the shadows accompanied by a few loyal comrades. Ever on the hunt for adventure and eager to engage in battle against the despised Montagues, he catches sight of Romeo, Mercutio, and Benvolio, striding confidently past them, hoping to provoke a confrontation. In a daring display, Benvolio subtly gestures by biting his thumb at Tybald, a gesture not lost on the quick-witted Capulet, who seizes the opportunity to ignite a fierce altercation with the trio of friends.

“Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?

I do bite my thumb, sir.”

Chaos ensues as the clash of blades and the shouts of warring members from both houses fill the once peaceful square. What was once a serene gathering spot now transforms into a battleground, with the bitter feud between the Montagues and Capulets taking center stage. As the violence escalates, more individuals from each faction join the fray, fueling the flames of hatred and vengeance.

However, just as the situation threatens to spiral out of control, a ray of hope emerges. The distinguished figures of the Montague and Capulet patriarchs, their faces etched with concern, step forward to intervene. Their presence alone momentarily halts the bloodshed, as the combatants pause to observe the gravity of their elders' involvement.

In a timely twist of fate, the Duke of Verona, accompanied by his formidable guards, arrives on the scene, his regal countenance commanding attention and respect. With authority in his voice, he bellows for the combatants to cease their fighting and lay down their weapons, creating a momentary hush over the bewildered crowd. As the Duke's words echo through the air, a realization dawns upon the fighters – they have overstepped the boundaries of reason and peace.

Under the watchful gaze of the Duke and his guards, the once fervent adversaries reluctantly comply, lowering their weapons and stepping back from the brink of destruction. The square, once marred by violence, now stands as a testament to the power of authority and the yearning for harmony.

“Two households, both alike in dignity,

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,

From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,

Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean”

Act 1, Scene 2 - Juliet's Chamber

In the soft glow of Juliet's bedroom, the young Capulet daughter exudes an infectious joy, engrossed in playful antics with her beloved Nurse. Their laughter fills the air, a testament to the innocence of youth. However, their merriment is abruptly interrupted as Lord and Lady Capulet enter the room, accompanied by a distinguished figure named Paris, a noble count who seeks Juliet's hand in marriage.

Paris, adorned in the finery befitting his station, approaches the reluctant young girl, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. Politely introducing himself, he attempts to win Juliet's favor, while her heart remains hesitant, entangled in the complexities of her own desires.

With a nod from her father, Paris takes his leave, escorted by Lord Capulet. Left alone with her mother, Lady Capulet guides Juliet towards a grand mirror, its reflective surface capturing the delicate image of a blossoming woman. As they stand before the mirror, the reflection reveals a poignant truth - Juliet, once a carefree child, now stands on the precipice of adulthood, her innocence fading as her journey towards womanhood looms ever closer.

Act 1, Scene 3 - Outside of Capulet's House

Outside the illustrious walls of the Capulet residence, an air of excitement and anticipation permeates the atmosphere as nobles and esteemed guests arrive to partake in the grand ball, a celebration in honor of Juliet's entrance into society. Among the throngs of elegantly adorned individuals, Romeo and his loyal companions make their way towards the festivities. In order to navigate the forbidden territory, they don disguises, concealing their true identities behind enigmatic masks.

As the group inches closer to the entrance, Romeo's heart flutters with hope and anticipation. Little does he know that destiny, with its impeccable timing, is about to unveil a breathtaking sight that will forever alter the course of his life. In a fleeting moment, just seconds before stepping foot into the Capulet's opulent abode, Romeo's gaze is captivated by a vision that transcends mere beauty. There, standing upon a balcony, bathed in moonlight, is a figure so ethereal and enchanting that time itself stands still. It is Juliet, the very embodiment of grace and purity, an unexpected revelation that steals Romeo's breath away.

Act 1 scene 4

In the grand ballroom of the Capulets, Romeo and his companions make their entrance amidst the lively celebration. The air is filled with laughter and music as the guests marvel at Juliet's graceful movements, her dance exuding an aura of innocence, enchantment, and lyrical finesse. Romeo, unable to contain the torrent of emotions swirling within him, finds himself irresistibly drawn to Juliet's ethereal beauty. With every step she takes, his heart beats faster and his yearning intensifies. Summoning the courage that resides within his soul, Romeo approaches the captivating Juliet, his voice trembling with the weight of his emotions. He pours out his heart, revealing the depths of his love for her in a cascade of heartfelt words.

Romeo:  
                  
“She doth teach the torches to burn bright”

“For I neer saw true beauty till this night”

As Mercutio observes Romeo's enamored state, he devises a plan to divert attention away from his friend. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he gathers the guests and convinces them to continue the festivities in the adjacent room. Obligingly, they depart, leaving Juliet alone in the ballroom, lost in her thoughts of the heartfelt words Romeo had shared only moments ago.

Sensing the absence of prying eyes, Romeo follows Juliet into the now secluded space. In the intimate atmosphere, Juliet gently removes the mask concealing Romeo's face, revealing a countenance that exudes both beauty and nobility. She is captivated, already falling deeply in love with this mysterious stranger.

Just as their whispered words of affection begin to intertwine, the Nurse reenters the room, searching for Juliet and informing her that everyone is looking for her. Juliet dismisses her, promising to join shortly. Undeterred by the interruption, Romeo and Juliet continue to share their feelings for each other, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment.

Their stolen moments of bliss are once again interrupted, this time by the arrival of Lady Capulet and Paris, who have been searching for Juliet. Desperate to maintain their secrecy, Juliet pleads with them to leave her for a moment, claiming that she is feeling unwell. As they reluctantly depart, Romeo and Juliet remain oblivious to the fact that the Nurse has returned, silently observing their tender exchange.

Unfortunately, their privacy is shattered once again, this time by the arrival of Tybalt, who immediately recognizes Romeo as an enemy of the Capulets. He demands that Romeo leave, seeking revenge for his intrusion at the family's feast and the perceived insult to his pride by Lord Capulet's acceptance of Romeo as a guest. However, Lord Capulet intervenes, welcoming Romeo and diffusing Tybalt's fiery anger.

Though tensions simmer beneath the surface, Romeo and Juliet cannot resist the pull they feel towards each other. Unbeknownst to them, their fateful encounter is intensifying, setting in motion a series of events that will forever change their lives.

Juliet:  
                     
“My only love sprung from my only hate!

Too early seen unknown, and known too late!

Prodigious birth of love it is to me,

That I must love a loathed enemy.”

Tybalt:  
       
“ I`ll not endure him!… He shall be endured”

“Convert to bittere

Act 1 scene 5 - Outside of Capulet's House

As the guests obediently make their way out of the ballroom, a simmering rage builds within Tybalt, fueling his desire to seek vengeance upon Romeo. However, before he can act upon his volatile emotions, Lord Capulet intervenes, placing a restraining hand on Tybalt's shoulder.

"Patience, Tybalt," Lord Capulet implores, his voice firm yet tinged with a hint of concern. "This is not the time nor the place for such hostility. Let us enjoy the festivities and show our guests the hospitality they deserve."

Though Tybalt's eyes burn with fury, he reluctantly complies, his seething anger momentarily contained by his uncle's commanding presence. He casts a lingering glare in Romeo's direction, a silent promise of retribution hanging in the air.

Lord Capulet, ever the astute host, swiftly veers the conversation towards lighter matters, skillfully redirecting the attention of the remaining guests. With a graceful wave of his hand, he signals for the music to resume, filling the ballroom once again with a symphony of melodies and laughter.

As the joyous atmosphere envelops the room, Romeo and Juliet steal a momentary glance, their eyes locking in a silent understanding. Their hearts beat in synchrony, their love growing stronger despite the obstacles that threaten to tear them apart.

In this delicate dance of fate, Lord Capulet's intervention provides a temporary reprieve, a respite from the brewing storm. But the tension lingers, promising a clash of wills that will shape the destiny of the star-crossed lovers.

Act 1 scene 5 – Balckony

Restless and consumed by thoughts of Romeo, Juliet finds herself standing on the moonlit balcony of the Capulets' grand house. The night sky casts a gentle glow upon her, mirroring the flickering anticipation in her heart. Lost in the depths of her longing, she yearns for the presence of her beloved.

As if in response to her silent plea, Romeo emerges from the shadows, his figure a silhouette against the garden below. The darkness becomes their ally, shielding their forbidden love from prying eyes. With outstretched arms, Romeo beckons to Juliet, his very being radiating love and devotion.

In an instant, they are united, the physical and emotional distance between them vanishing. Their hands reach out, fingers intertwining, as they stand on opposite sides of the balcony. Time seems to stand still as they gaze into each other's eyes, their hearts beating in perfect synchrony.

In hushed whispers, they declare their love, their words carrying the weight of eternity. Each vow is a sacred promise, a testament to the depth of their affection. They pledge their unwavering fidelity, swearing to defy the boundaries that society has imposed upon them.

The moon bathes them in its ethereal glow, casting a halo of enchantment around their clandestine meeting. This moment, suspended in time and space, becomes a sanctuary for their love, a sanctuary where nothing else matters but the connection they share.

In the stillness of the night, Romeo and Juliet find solace in each other's arms. Their hearts beat as one, their love defying the constraints of their feuding families. In this stolen moment, they find respite from the world that seeks to tear them apart, cherishing every second as if it were an eternity.

Romeo:                    

“But, soft, what light through yonder window breaks?

It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.

Juliet:                       

“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?”

“That which we call a rose

By any other word would smell as sweet.”

“Parting is such sweet sorrow”

Juliet:                       

“A thousands times good night”

Romeo: 
                   
“A thousands times the worse, to want thy light.

Love goes towards love, as schoolboys from their books,

But love from love, toward school with heavy looks”

Act 2

Act 2 scene 1


Amidst the vibrant and lively square of Verona, Romeo walks with his thoughts consumed by Juliet. The joyous revelry surrounds him, yet his heart yearns for the presence of his beloved. Unbeknownst to him, Juliet, unable to bear even a momentary separation, has sent the Nurse on a mission to find Romeo and deliver a letter of utmost importance.

The square is alive with the infectious energy of a carnival, filled with dancing, singing, and merriment. The air is thick with laughter and the intoxicating scent of excitement. Amidst the swirling crowd, the Nurse navigates her way, her eyes scanning each face in search of Romeo.

Tarantella music fills the air, its lively rhythm captivating the revelers, compelling them to move with uninhibited joy. The crowd dances with fervor, their voices mingling in jubilant song. The Nurse weaves through the sea of faces, her determination unwavering.

Finally, amidst the swirling chaos, she spots Romeo. With a sense of urgency, she reaches out, tapping him on the shoulder. Startled, Romeo turns to face her, his eyes widening in anticipation.

Handing him the letter, the Nurse relays Juliet's message. Her voice is lost in the noise of the carnival, but her eyes speak volumes. Romeo's heart leaps with hope as he opens the letter, trembling with anticipation.

As the tarantella reaches its climax and the crowd erupts in celebration, Romeo reads Juliet's words. A surge of joy courses through his veins, for within those lines, Juliet agrees to become his wife. The weight of their forbidden love is momentarily lifted, replaced by a glimmer of hope and the promise of a future together.

In the midst of the wild revelry, Romeo clutches the letter to his heart, a symbol of their love and unwavering commitment. In this chaotic square, their worlds align, their dreams intertwine, and the carnival becomes a testament to the power of love in the face of adversity.

Romeo:

“Then plainly know my hearts dear love is set

On the fair daughter of rich Capulet.

As mine on hers, so hers is set on mine …

Act 2 scene 2 - Friar Laurence's Chapel

Romeo enters the chapel where Fair Laurence is happily passing the day. Romeo tells him about their love with Juliet and asks to marry them secretly. Laurence is touched by the purity of feelings of the beloved and promise to help, hopping that the marriage will reconcile the Montagues and the Capulets and thus end the feud. Juliet enters and Fair Laurence performs the wedding rites.

Friar Laurence:       

“These violent delights have violent ends

And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,

Which as they kiss consume: the sweetest honey

Is loathsome in his own deliciousness

And in the test confounds the appetite

Therefore love moderately; long love doth so;

Too swift arrivals as tardy as too slow

 
Act 2 scene 3 - The Square in Verona

As the vibrant carnival swirls and sparkles in the Verona square, the air is filled with joyous laughter and jubilant music. Amidst the revelry, Romeo's friends, Mercutio and Benvolio, immerse themselves in the fervor of the festivities. Their spirits are high, their hearts light with mirth.

Suddenly, the atmosphere is pierced by the arrival of Tybalt, the seething embodiment of the Capulet rage. His eyes narrow, his grip tightens on the hilt of his sword as he spots his sworn enemies, Mercutio and Benvolio. Fuelled by a deep-rooted animosity, Tybalt's face contorts with anger, his desire for revenge consuming his every thought.

Without hesitation, Tybalt draws his sword, the steel slicing through the air, as he lunges towards Mercutio with a fierce determination. The carnival's joyous chaos transforms into a tense battlefield, the merriment momentarily forgotten.

Just as the clash of metal threatens to shatter the fragile peace, Romeo emerges onto the square, his footsteps still echoing with the sacred vows he exchanged with Juliet moments ago in the Chapel of Fair Laurence. His eyes widen in dismay as he witnesses the unfolding confrontation before him.

Driven by his love for Juliet and his desire to prevent further bloodshed, Romeo steps forward, his voice infused with urgency and desperation. He pleads for peace, his words carrying the weight of his newfound matrimonial bond. He beseeches Tybalt to reconsider, to let go of the hatred that has plagued their families for far too long.

In the midst of the swirling chaos, Romeo's voice cuts through the tension, momentarily silencing the clash of swords. His plea hangs in the air, a fragile thread of hope, as he tries to bridge the chasm between the warring factions. His heart yearns for reconciliation, for a world in which love triumphs over hatred.

Yet, in this tumultuous moment, the outcome remains uncertain. The carnival, once a symbol of joy and celebration, now stands on the precipice of tragedy. Romeo's attempt to make peace hangs in the balance, the fate of not only himself but the entire city of Verona teetering on the edge.

Mercutio:  
               
“O calm dishonourable, vile submission!

Alla stoccata carries it away.

Tybalt, you ratcatcher, will you walk?”

In a moment of heated confrontation, Tybalt forcefully pushes Romeo away, disregarding his plea for peace. The clash of swords between Tybalt and Mercutio intensifies, their blades slicing through the air with deadly intent. Romeo, fueled by a mix of fear and desperation, once again steps forward, attempting to separate the two combatants. But his efforts are in vain.

In a treacherous turn of events, Tybalt seizes a moment of advantage and delivers a fatal blow to Mercutio. The air becomes heavy with grief and shock, the revelry of the carnival silenced by the weight of tragedy. Romeo's heart, already burdened by the loss of his friend, ignites with wild fury.

In a surge of uncontrollable rage, Romeo seizes Mercutio's sword, his eyes burning with a thirst for vengeance. He confronts Tybalt, his voice trembling with a mixture of sorrow and anger. The duel that ensues is fierce and swift, Romeo's grief-fueled determination overpowering his opponent. Tybalt falls, lifeless, as the consequences of their long-standing feud come crashing down upon them both.

But the aftermath of this fatal duel is far from over. The Capulets, consumed by a thirst for revenge, are driven to the edge of madness. Their desire to avenge Tybalt's death threatens to escalate the already fragile conflict, plunging Verona deeper into chaos.

In this dark and tumultuous moment, Benvolio, a voice of reason amidst the chaos, rushes to Romeo's side. With a sense of urgency, he helps Romeo escape the scene, guiding him away from the brewing storm of vengeance. They leave behind a square stained with blood and sorrow, the weight of tragedy lingering in the air.

The consequences of this fateful encounter will reverberate through the lives of Romeo, Juliet, and the warring families, forever altering the course of their destinies. As they flee the scene, darkness descends upon Verona, leaving behind a city on the brink of destruction, its future hanging in the balance.

Romeo:                    

“This day`s black fate on more days doth depend;

This but the woe others must end”

Act 3

Act 3 scene 1 - Juliet's Bedroom


As the sun's gentle rays stream through the window, casting an ethereal glow upon the room, Romeo gazes upon Juliet's peaceful form. He traces the delicate contours of her face with his eyes, etching the memory of her beauty into his heart. The love that binds them pulses through his veins, intertwining their souls in a bittersweet embrace.

With a mix of tenderness and sorrow, Romeo leans in close, his voice hushed and filled with longing. He whispers words of love and apology, his breath mingling with hers in the stillness of the room. He shares his plan to flee Verona, to escape the clutches of a fate that threatens to tear them apart.

As he prepares to leave, Romeo's heart aches with the weight of their separation. He knows that in order to protect their love, he must distance himself from the city that has become both their sanctuary and their prison. He yearns for a future in which their love can flourish without fear and judgment.

Romeo gently brushes his lips against Juliet's forehead, bidding her farewell with a silent promise that their love will endure. He takes one last lingering look at her slumbering form, etching her image into his memory, before turning away, his steps heavy with the weight of his decision.

In the quiet room, the air hangs heavy with a mixture of love and sorrow. The morning sun continues to dance upon Juliet's sleeping form, unaware of the heartache that lingers in its wake. Romeo, now burdened with the weight of his actions, steps into the world outside, ready to face the consequences of his choices and hoping that one day, their love will find its way back to the light.

Romeo:

“More light and light, more dark and dark our woes”

As the stillness of the room is shattered, Juliet's parents, accompanied by Paris, enter with a sense of purpose. Their faces bear the weight of determination, eager to share news that will shape Juliet's future. Her mother's voice quivers with a mix of anticipation and authority as she delivers the fateful words - Juliet's marriage has been arranged.

The room fills with tension as Paris, emboldened by the prospect of becoming Juliet's husband, steps forward. His words spill forth with fervent passion, declaring his love for her, his desire to intertwine their lives. Juliet listens, her heart heavy with the weight of duty and obligation, but her spirit unyielding.

Though Paris pours out his soul in a torrent of avowals, Juliet remains steadfast in her convictions. She musters the strength to speak her truth, to defy the expectations that threaten to consume her. She respectfully but firmly refuses to comply with her parents' wishes, unwilling to sacrifice her own desires and the love she holds within her heart.

As Paris exits the room, anger etched upon his face, Juliet's parents' disappointment transforms into a storm of fury. Their voices rise, their threats of disownment hang heavily in the air, a chilling reminder of the consequences that await Juliet if she does not bend to their will.

In a whirlwind of emotions, Juliet understands that she cannot bear this burden alone. With a sense of urgency, she rushes to seek solace and guidance from her trusted confidant, Friar Laurence. She knows that within the sanctity of his presence, she will find the wisdom and support she needs to navigate the treacherous path ahead.

As she flees the room, her heart racing and her mind filled with uncertainty, Juliet clings to a glimmer of hope. In the face of familial pressure and societal expectations, she seeks refuge in the arms of the friar, praying that he will provide the guidance and strength she needs to forge her own destiny.

Act 3 scene 2 - The Chapel

In a state of desperation, Juliet flees to the sanctuary of Friar Laurence. In his presence, she finds solace and a glimmer of hope. Understanding the gravity of her situation, the friar concocts a plan to save her.

With a heavy heart, Friar Laurence presents Juliet with a vial containing a potion that will induce a sleep resembling death. He explains that she must consume the potion, allowing her body to lie in a death-like slumber. This ruse will grant her freedom from her impending marriage and provide a chance for her and Romeo to be reunited.

Simultaneously, the friar pens a letter to Romeo, urgently summoning him back to Verona. He implores Romeo to return in secret, for within the city's walls lies the key to their salvation. Once Romeo arrives, he will enter the crypt where Juliet's lifeless body will rest, and together, they will escape to a place where their love can thrive without fear.

Filled with a mixture of trepidation and determination, Juliet accepts the vial. She understands the risks involved but clings to the hope that this desperate plan will lead them to a future where their love can flourish. With a final embrace, the friar sends Juliet back to her home, ready to face the consequences of her actions.

Juliet:

“Come weep with me, past hope, past cure, past help”

Act 3 scene 3 - Juliet's Bedroom

In the solitude of her room, Juliet's heart is heavy with the weight of her circumstances. Her parents, along with Prince Paris, have just left, satisfied that she will dutifully fulfill her obligations. Juliet, however, knows that her heart belongs to another, and the thought of marrying Paris fills her with anguish. 

As she wrestles with her emotions, the Nurse enters her room, unaware of the inner turmoil that consumes Juliet. Oblivious to the depth of Juliet's love for Romeo, the Nurse begins to speak of the impending marriage, her words cutting through Juliet's fragile resolve.

The Nurse's well-intentioned but misguided attempts to console and advise only serve to deepen Juliet's pain. The Nurse, who has been like a mother to her, now feels like an instrument of betrayal. In a moment of desperation, Juliet pleads with the Nurse to leave her room, her voice filled with a mix of sadness and anger.

Left alone, Juliet finds herself engulfed in a sea of despair. The weight of her predicament becomes unbearable, and she feels trapped with no escape. In her desperation and longing for freedom, she recalls the potion given to her by Friar Laurence. With a trembling hand, she retrieves the vial and contemplates its contents.

The poison, once meant to deceive and grant her temporary reprieve, now appears as her only solution. In this moment of profound sorrow, Juliet makes a fateful decision. Consumed by a sense of hopelessness and the desire to be reunited with Romeo in death, she swallows the poison, knowing that it will be her final act.

As the poison takes hold, Juliet's body weakens, and a profound stillness settles upon her. Her breathing becomes shallow, and her vision blurs. In the midst of her fading consciousness, she clings to the belief that death will bring her eternal reunion with Romeo, freeing them from the pain and constraints of their world.

In her final moments, Juliet's thoughts are consumed by her love for Romeo. She prays that he will understand the depth of her sacrifice and find solace in their eternal love. With a heavy heart and tear-stained cheeks, Juliet slips into the realm of eternal slumber, her soul forever intertwined with that of her beloved Romeo.

Juliet:

“What if this mixture do not work at all?

Shall I be married then tomorrow morning?”

Act 3 scene 3 - Capulet Tomb

In the solemn silence of the cemetery, mourners bid their final farewell to Juliet, their hearts heavy with sorrow. As they depart, leaving her alone in her eternal resting place, a figure emerges from the shadows. It is Romeo, consumed by grief, his heart shattered by the loss of his beloved.

Disguised as a monk, Romeo approaches the lifeless body of Juliet. His eyes well up with tears as he looks upon her serene face, unaware of the presence of Paris, who has come to pay his respects. Emotions erupt, and the two men engage in a violent struggle. In the chaos of the crypt, Romeo's desperation takes hold, and he strikes a fatal blow, ending Paris' life.

With the lifeless body of Juliet in his arms, Romeo's pain intensifies. Consumed by a sense of hopelessness, he feels that life no longer holds any meaning without his Juliet. In a moment of despair, he reaches for a vial of poison, determined to join her in death.

As Romeo raises the vial to his lips, a miracle unfolds. Juliet stirs from her slumber, her eyes fluttering open. Confusion and disbelief fill the air as she gently reaches out, her fingers brushing against Romeo's hair. Startled, he jumps back, unable to comprehend what is happening before him.

The lovers, their hearts filled with both joy and trepidation, embrace each other eagerly, grateful for this unexpected reunion. They cling to each other, their love rekindled and their souls entwined once more. But their moment of happiness is short-lived.

Suddenly, Romeo begins to wither in Juliet's arms. His body weakens, and his life slips away, leaving Juliet devastated and helpless. In an instant, her world crumbles, and the weight of her loss becomes unbearable. The hope she had briefly tasted is cruelly snatched away, leaving her in a state of disbelief.

Overwhelmed by grief and despair, Juliet's mind becomes clouded with anguish. In a final act of desperation, she takes hold of Romeo's dagger. With trembling hands, she presses the blade against her own chest, choosing to join her beloved in death rather than face a life without him.

As the life seeps from her body, Juliet's eyes meet Romeo's lifeless gaze one last time. In death, they are finally reunited, their love transcending the boundaries of life and death. Together, they find solace in the eternal embrace that fate has woven for them, leaving behind a legacy of tragic love and a tale that will be told for generations to come.

Oslo
02.04.2022

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Author's composition:

Sergei Prokofiev
Composer and Librettist

Sergei Prokofiev

William Shakespeare
Based on the tragedy of the same name by

William Shakespeare

Sergey Radlov
Libretto

Sergey Radlov

Cast

Boryana Petrova
Juliet, daughter of Capulet

Boryana Petrova

Vyara Ivancheva
Juliet, daughter of Capulet

Vyara Ivancheva

Katerina Petrova
Juliet, daughter of Capulet

Katerina Petrova

Marta Petkova
Juliet, daughter of Capulet

Marta Petkova

Emil Yordanov
Roméo, son of Montague, Pâris, a young count

Emil Yordanov

Nikola Hadjitanev
Roméo, son of Montague, Mercutio, Romeo's friend

Nikola Hadjitanev

Frederico Pinto
Roméo, son of Montague, Tybalt, Lady Capulet's nephew

Frederico Pinto

Tsetso Ivanov
Roméo, son of Montague, Pâris, a young count

Tsetso Ivanov

Vincenzo Caruana
Mercutio, Romeo's friend, Benvolio, Montague's nephew

Vincenzo Caruana

Georgi Banchev
Mercutio, Romeo's friend

Georgi Banchev

Kristian Manev
Mercutio, Romeo's friend

Kristian Manev

Simeon Atanasov
Mercutio, Romeo's friend, Benvolio, Montague's nephew

Simeon Atanasov

Alexandar Alexandrov
Tybalt, Lady Capulet's nephew

Alexandar Alexandrov

Rumen Bonev
Tybalt, Lady Capulet's nephew, Count Capulet

Rumen Bonev

Nikola Arnaudov
Benvolio, Montague's nephew

Nikola Arnaudov

Francesco Congiusti
Benvolio, Montague's nephew

Francesco Congiusti

Matthew Whittle
Pâris, a young count

Matthew Whittle

Lyudmila Ilieva
Lady Capulet, Juliet's nurse

Lyudmila Ilieva

Charlotte Berard
Lady Capulet

Charlotte Berard

Teodor Vodenicharov
Count Capulet

Teodor Vodenicharov

Ana Vutsova
Juliet's nurse

Ana Vutsova

Marina Marinova
Juliet's nurse

Marina Marinova

Dario Yovchevski
Frère Laurent

Dario Yovchevski

Lucas de Köning
Frère Laurent

Lucas de Köning

Production team:

Kaloyan Boyadzhiev
Director, Choreographer and Librettist

Kaloyan Boyadzhiev

Even Borsum
Set designer

Even Borsum

Ingrid Nylander
Costume Designer

Ingrid Nylander