Ballet and Shakespeare collide in BIG Live’s passionate retelling of Romeo and Juliet, where love, conflict, and fate take centre stage. As a story that is familiar to many, transforming Romeo and Juliet into a purely physical and emotive performance through ballet provides another avenue for audiences to access The Bard’s most famous tragedy. As one of the most enduring love stories in literature, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet continues to stand the test of time.
Also known as Ballet International Gala, BIG Live is Australia’s fastest-growing ballet company, renowned for bringing timeless works and contemporary creations to life. The cast is a divine collection of Australian artists as well as international alumni from some of the world’s most prestigious ballet companies.
Joel Burke is BIG Live’s choreographer, Artistic Director and Principal dancer (talk about a triple threat!), and he has successfully re-envisioned this passionate story for contemporary audiences.
From the moment the curtain rises to begin Act I, the audience is enveloped in the world of Verona. The cast are expert dancers and storytellers, reacting to and performing through every moment. There are many beautiful scenes throughout the acts where the corps de ballet have full command. Whether executing precise pas de deuxs or dancing through sweeping formations, they are a delight to watch.
As a duo, Joel Burke and Emilia Bignami fully embody the star-crossed lovers. Yes, the audience all know the story and its fateful ending. Their onstage chemistry, however, really leaves you hoping that they get their happily ever after!
From playful innocence to tragic resolve, Bignami charts Juliet’s emotional journey with heartbreaking clarity. I admired how she was left with moments of minimal dancing, allowing her raw emotion and characterisation of Juliet to shine.
Burke captures Romeo’s passion and impulsiveness with a blend of boyish charm and striking intensity in his movements. Together, their portrayal of these characters is genuine. A highlight is the infamous balcony scene, which showcases their technical brilliance and emotional vulnerability with sweeping lifts and fluid partnering.
The male dancers shine with their impressive variety of gravity-defying grand allegro throughout. Ervin Zagidullin in particular as Tybalt, who lands the most impressive jumps, is absolutely enthralling to watch. His athletic prowess is breathtaking.
Zagidullin’s villainous portrayal of Tybalt contrasts well with Huw Pritchard’s heartfelt performance of Mercutio. This makes for a tightly choreographed violent duet that builds intensely to their final falls. The thrilling swordplay blends seamlessly with the choreography, transforming combat into gripping, story-driven action that keeps the audience fully engaged.
The score is an epic blend of Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev’s musical arrangements that propel the action and storyline. The lighting, designed by Ryan Mcdonald, mirrors the score from its softer moments to its rising crescendos. It’s rare to see such vibrant coloured lighting in a ballet, but it is used to great effect here; distinguishing the Capulets from the Montagues, and dimming to enhance the most tragic moments. No expense was spared with the set either. Designed by Ben Hambling, the sets are grand, realistic and purposefully utilised throughout the choreography.
Burke has transformed the most memorable moments from Romeo and Juliet into an incredible display of ballet. He clearly knows how to create an enthralling performance that speaks to both seasoned ballet fans and first-time theatre-goers alike. It is no wonder that BIG Live has achieved incredible success so far. I seriously could’ve sat there for another two hours! With a completely sold out Adelaide season, ballet lovers will need to follow the tour to Melbourne to catch this thrilling production.
Romeo and Juliet is on now at Her Majesty’s Theatre, with one show remaining tonight before it continues its tour to Melbourne, Hobart, Newcastle and Wellington, New Zealand.
2025 Tour Details:
Melbourne: 26 April, Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne (Update: season is now SOLD OUT)
Hobart: 3-4 May, Theatre Royal
Newcastle: 24 May, Civic Theatre
Wellington, NZ: 27 June, St James Theatre
Website: https://www.bigliveco.com/romeo-and-juliet-2025
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/balletinternationalgala/
Photo credits: Cloud 9 Photography
