Yes, that's 'Romeo and Juliet'. Bangkok ballet aficionados look forward to July every year, as that’s when the 12-year-old school and company Bangkok City Ballet (BCB) holds their annual performance, in which professional local dancers share the stage with guest stars from overseas. It’s now late July and so our wait is over.  

BCB’s artistic director Masako Hirata tells us, “Our July performance gives an opportunity to professional Thai ballet dancers, no matter where they received their training, to perform in a full-scale production on a national stage alongside world-class counterparts.”

“A ballet performance consists of both dancing and acting. And we pick ‘Romeo and Juliet’ because this ballet has, apart from the technically demanding dance choreography, many acting parts, and Thai performers are very good at dramatic expression. Also, BCB has staged such world masterpieces as ‘Don Quixote’ and ‘The Nutcracker’, but never before ‘Romeo and Juliet’”.

The fact that some of Bangkok ballet lovers were moved and thrilled by Stuttgart Ballet’s “Romeo and Juliet” here a few years ago should not prevent us from attending this. After all, it’s a different version.

“They used John Cranko’s choreography which is very good and highly dramatic. Our production is based on Kenneth MacMillan’s which has been the most popular in international ballet festivals, especially for its mesmerizing balcony scene which perfectly merges the music and choreography. Also, we add intensity into the fighting scenes.”

This production’s highlights are three dancers from the world renowned Paris Opera National Ballet—namely Daniel Stokes, Ninon Raux, and Cyril Chokroun, who portrayed Espada in BCB’s production of “Don Quixote” last year. This is made possible through BCB’s partnership with Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce.

“The company is one of the world’s oldest, and their school is one of the most difficult to get into. After graduation, it even gets much tougher as the company only admits about 10 new dancers each year. Although these three dancers are quite young [all in their twenties], they’re very experienced and they’ve been trained by this school. Their prowess will bring out wonderful performances for us.”

Besides, Hirata says, “The audience will also be astounded by Thai performers.” These include some of familiar names like, among others, BCB’s Tirolarn Krityakierne, Point Studio’s Mueanphun Ampunsang, “The Star” choreographer Kunyarat Napasap, and “AF5” acting teacher Sunon Wachirawarakarn.

“One highlight is the scene when Tybalt is killed by Romeo and Lady Capulet’s performance here is extremely emotional. The audience will also be thrilled by the sword fights, amused with the beautiful Gypsies Dance, and impressed with our corps de ballet.”

>> “Romeo and Juliet” performs at Thailand Cultural Centre’s Main Hall, Saturday (July 26) at 6pm, and Sunday (July 27) at 4pm.

>> Tickets are 1,500, 1,000, and 800 baht, available at Thaiticketmajor

>> Call BCB at 02 662 7933, or click to www.BangkokCityBallet.com

written by Pawit Mahasarinand

published in Daily Xpress on Friday, July 25, 2008

photo courtesy of BCB