Cleopatra is queen of ballet
Cleopatra; Martha Leebolt, Wadjet;Kenneth Tindall, Julius Caesar; Javier Torres, Ptolemy; Giuliano Contadini, Mark Antony;Tobias Batley, Octavia;Hannah Bateman, Octavian; Hironao Takahashi
Northern Ballet’s Cleopatra – billed the must-see ballet of 2011 – is back on tour following a critically acclaimed debut in spring this year.
The remarkable story of one of the world’s best-known icons will be visiting the Theatre Royal Nottingham from 27th September to 1st October.
This new production is choreographed by artistic director David Nixon OBE to a score composed by celebrated composer Claude-Michel Schönberg, best known across the world for Les Misérables and Miss Saigon. Cleopatra explores the life of arguably the most powerful woman in the world in her time, and her passionate love affairs with Marc Antony and Julius Caesar.
Mr Schönberg said: “From the moment David Nixon suggested the ballet of Cleopatra, it took me five years to find an elusive spark of inspiration.”
“I had to understand how sensuous the way of life was in Egypt, the opposite to the culture of Rome. I realised that the chaos of being in love with such a woman as Cleopatra put the Roman Emperor and his Empire in danger. That’s what the score is trying to reflect without falling into clichés associated with that era.”
An enduring icon of the ancient world and the ultimate modern woman, Cleopatra’s legend has captivated generations.
Cleopatra is still inspiring artists, designers and stylists today. Although not widely known as a ballet, Cleopatra gained mass popular appeal through the 1963 Hollywood film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Mr Nixon explained: “I have been fascinated by the story of Cleopatra for a long time. I think it’s the name, it’s just so iconic.”
“It has echoed through the centuries, and it doesn’t lose its resonance. Two thousand years later she is as popular as she ever was, in fact more so. I think the legend and the mystery of the woman grows rather than lessens.”
“There is little factual information about her yet she managed to hold in her grasp two of the most powerful men in history. She was in some ways beautiful and unbelievably sensual for the almost barbaric Romans but she was also a woman, mother and above all a queen.”
Nixon has brought together a group of established Northern Ballet collaborators to work with him on Cleopatra including: Patricia Doyle (co-director), Christopher Giles (co-designer) and Tim Mitchell (lighting designer).
Tickets cost £11-£35 which are available by calling the box office on 0115 989 555 or online at www.trch.co.uk.
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