Choregraphy John Cranko’s production of Romeo and Juliet is considered one of the definitive versions being performed in the world today. Based on Shakespeare’s world famous tale of two lovers in Renaissance Italy who find themselves caught between their feuding families, Cranko’s vividly etched characters and breathtaking choreography bring this tragedy to splendid life. The ballet, set to Serge Prokofiev’s lush score, contains dramatic roles for the young Juliet and her impetuous lover Romeo, for Romeo’s hot-headed friend Mercutio and for Juliet’s bullying relative Tybalt. An abundance of soloist roles further enrich the plot and provide the entire company with ample opportunity to display their acting and dancing abilities. Jürgen Rose’s magnificent sets and costumes enhance the action of the ballet while never obscuring the choreography.
Cranko first choreographed Romeo and Juliet in 1958 for the La Scala Ballet in Milan, Italy with Carla Fracci in the leading role. He reworked and refined it for his own Stuttgart company, which presented the world premiere in Stuttgart on December 2, 1962, with Marcia Haydée and Ray Barra in the title roles. Since then, Cranko’s production has entered the repertoire of over 10 companies worldwide, including the National Ballet of Canada, the Australian Ballet, the Finnish National Ballet and the Ballet of the La Scala Opera House in Milan.