Ballet in three acts (1984)

Raised to mythic status by Shakespeare, the story of Romeo and Juliet waited until the 20th century to find its definitive ballet incarnation in Sergei Prokofiev’s sweeping score. 

Rudolf Nureyev’s legendary 1984 production for the Paris Opera Ballet translates this brilliant, energetic music into a richly detailed, strikingly cinematic vision. His choreography follows Romeo (étoile Paul Marque) on his journey into manhood through his encounter with a fiercely passionate Juliet (étoile Sae Eun Park), whose own rush into adulthood ends in tragedy.

Lavish ball scenes, headstrong youthful clashes and thrilling duels unfold against opulent Italian Renaissance sets, giving physical and emotional depth to the lovers’ struggle against the age-old feud that divides their families and seals their fate.