Critics are raving about the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s production of Romeo & Juliet which opened in Palmerston North last week, calling it a “world class production”.
Often described as one of the world’s greatest love stories, the Shakespearean classic follows two young lovers caught between their warring families.
Set to Prokofiev’s dramatic score, the RNZB’s production of Romeo & Juliet stars guest dancers Amy Hollingsworth and Cameron McMillan in the lead roles.
Both former RNZB dancers now based in London, the duo will make their anticipated return to the stage tonight in Auckland.
Choreographed by Christopher Hampson (Cinderella), this highly visual and sleek production is inspired by the look of Fellini’s La Dolce Vita and Baz Luhrmann’s film version of the tragic tale.
Designed by Auckland’s Tracy Grant Lord, it features a dynamic colour palette, the more than 200 costumes look as if they have been lifted from the pages of Vogue magazine.
Following its successful 2003 debut season in New Zealand, the RNZB’s Romeo & Juliet toured the UK where it received a prestigious Laurence Olivier award nomination for Best New Production.
Romeo & Juliet opened at Auckland's Aotea Centre at THE EDGE on Wednesday 23 July. It will then tour to Napier, Invercargill, Christchurch and Wellington.
"The [RNZB] have surpassed themselves in delivering a world class performance brilliantly conceived and given contemporary relevance” - John Daly-Peoples, National Business Review
“Outstanding” - Manawatu Standard
“If this were the only Romeo and Juliet I ever saw, I’d die happy” - The Independent, UK