Following a sold-out season in Adelaide, Ballet International Gala (BIG Live) have brought their breathtaking ballet Romeo and Juliet to Melbourne for two equally sold-out performances. Showcasing the power of timeless storytelling, a sweeping score, and stirring choreography, Romeo and Juliet proved another triumph.
This successful Melbourne season comes after BIG Live’s announcement during the week of the world premiere of Dracula, set to take the stage in September and October.
Shakespeare’s famous tragedy lends itself beautifully to ballet, shedding its centuries-old language and leaving only pure physicality and raw emotion. BIG Live have not only breathed new life into the 400-year-old story, but have also honed in on what makes it so human and heartbreaking.
The prestigious cast, drawn from across Australia and the world, is masterfully led by Joel Burke. As both Romeo and choreographer, Burke proves that years are not always what’s needed to command, a notion Shakespeare himself explored in Othello. Burke’s performance captivates, shifting from playful charm in Act One to grief-stricken, vengeful intensity in Acts Two and Three.
Emilia Bignami conveys Juliet’s emotions with heartbreaking clarity. Her pas de deux with Romeo capture the effortless connection between the star-crossed lovers, as they guide each other seamlessly through every motion. This contrasts sharply with her duets with Paris, played by Alexander Taber, where the tension is palpable and the movements are largely dominated by Paris.
Ervin Zagidullin makes his presence known with his fiery, confident and vengeful Tybalt. He commands the stage during the thrilling duels.
The show wouldn’t have been as brilliant without Ryan McDonald’s lighting. Colourful blues and reds distinguish the Montagues and Capulets. Romeo and Juliet dance magically beneath a moving spotlight, designed to mimic starlight.
Wendie Wheelhouse and Jennifer Burke’s costume designs also serve to differentiate the families. My favourite styling choice sees Romeo forgo his family’s blue attire to match Juliet in white when they are alone together. It’s a nice nod to their purity and the sacrifices they are making.
Ben Hambling’s simple yet grand set gives depth to the stage but does not distract from the dancers. Most notably, a large two-tiered staircase upstage serves many purposes, including the iconic balcony.
Even though the audience knows how the story ends, they watch with bated breath. Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev’s blended score keeps tension and emotions high.
The Melbourne season may have ended, but the magic of Romeo and Juliet continues as the tour moves to Hobart. As Australia’s fastest-growing ballet company, BIG Live has proven they know exactly how to breathe new life into timeless tales.
If you can’t catch one of the final performances of this thrilling production, make sure to mark your calendars for September, when Dracula sinks its teeth into stages nationwide. With the company’s track record, tickets are sure to vanish fast!
The Melbourne season of Romeo and Juliet has now ended but the national tour continues to Hobart, Newcastle and Wellington, New Zealand. Details below.
2025 Tour Details:
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
