Queensland Ballet has launched its 65th anniversary year with a revival of Kenneth MacMillan’s great ballet masterpiece, Romeo & Juliet. One of the largest productions Queensland Ballet performs, it’s a treat to see fully realised on QPAC’s Lyric Theatre stage.
First commissioned for The Royal Ballet and opening in Covent Garden in 1965, Margot Fonteyn and Rudolph Nureyev danced the title roles. When it was first performed by Queensland Ballet back in 2014 it broke a 54 year box office record.
Bringing this beloved classic back to the stage is a fitting way to launch Queensland Ballet’s milestone season. With a sweeping score performed by QSO, dramatic storytelling, and grand scale design, Romeo & Juliet captivates both devoted ballet fans and new audiences alike. As the company embarks on its 65th year, this revival serves as a testament to its artistic ambition and continued commitment to world-class ballet.
The history behind the sets and costumes is outlined in the complimentary program and makes for a fascinating read. A remarkable effort that was years in the making results in a sumptuous spectacle evoking the grandeur of Renaissance Verona. Rich, warm reds and deep greens dominate the palette, complemented by accents of gold that add a regal elegance to the world of the Montagues and Capulets.
Towering archways, intricate balconies, and sweeping staircases transport us to a time of feuding families and star-crossed lovers. The ever-shifting set pieces transition between the lavish ballroom of the noble house and the bustling market place of Verona.
720 individual costume pieces feature in the production including hand dyed and Devaney velvet dresses made with lush, heavy fabrics. One of Juliet’s dresses is embroidered with hundreds of glass beads and some of the cloths feature real gold leaf. The attention to detail in the period-inspired design enhances the romance and tragedy of the ballet. Grounding the storytelling, it creates a world that feels both historically rich and visually stunning.
Patricio Revé is the perfect leading man, bringing an effortless charm and energy to Romeo. His character is buoyed by the camaraderie of his loyal friend Mercutio and cousin Benvolio. Together Revé, with Kohei Iwamoto as Mercutio and Joshua Ostermann as Benvolio make an entertaining trio.
Chiara Gonzalez captures Juliet’s innocence beautifully. Her girlish nature is evident as she clings to childhood, still playing with a doll and relying on her devoted Nurse, played by Guest Character Artist Janette Mulligan. Her hesitance in meeting Paris (a handsome Edison Manuel) at her parents’ request highlights her naivety, making her sudden, passionate connection with Romeo all the more compelling.
In the title roles, Revé and Gonzalez share an undeniable chemistry, their growing love unfolding naturally on stage. The iconic balcony scene and the subsequent pas de deux that rounds out Act One is nothing short of magical. The pair’s movements are brimming with tenderness, yearning, and breathtaking artistry.
Act Two sees the supporting characters come into their own. Leading the Three Harlots is Georgia Swan, who never fails to impress. Whether it’s playing the bumbling Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream or one of the visually striking halves of the Chanel logo, Swan is an expert dancer and storyteller who commands attention whenever she is on stage.
Supporting Swan in the trio are Laura Toser and Vanessa Morelli. Together, they flirt, play and lift their skirts in an entertaining display of fun and frivolity.
Vito Bernasconi is a suitably tyrannical Tybalt. The sword-fighting scenes are particularly well executed and unfold in a way that makes Mercutio’s stabbing play out almost like an accident. For all the drama, there is still a sense of fun in the market place scenes with Iwomoto’s Mercutio leading an energetic Company.
Notable Character Guest Artists on opening night included David Power, returning to the stage in a memorable turn as Friar Laurence. Former Australian Ballet and English National Ballet Principal Artist, and former Director of the Australian Ballet School, Lisa Pavane appeared as a striking Lady Capulet.
Act Three sees the drama reach emotional heights as the inevitable tragedy concludes. Gonzalez displays impressive dancing skills, whether she is mechanically succumbing en pointe to the advances of Paris, or hanging limply, assumed dead, in a unique pas de deux with Revé’s anguished Romeo. Gonzalez is simply mesmerising to watch in a role she seems born to play.
Queensland Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet is a breathtaking revival that captures the heart and tragedy of Shakespeare’s timeless tale. From the grandeur of the sets to the sweeping beauty of MacMillan’s choreography, every element of this production is crafted with exquisite detail.
The passion and skill of the dancers bring the star-crossed lovers’ story to life in a way that is both emotionally compelling and visually stunning. With its stirring Prokofiev score and heart-wrenching finale, Romeo & Juliet is a true triumph, and one that lingers long after the final curtain falls.
Kenneth MacMillan’s Romeo & Juliet is on now for a limited season until 29 March 2025 at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC.
Principal Artists of the Royal Ballet Calvin Richardson and Akane Takada will perform as Guest Artists in the title roles on the evenings of Wednesday 26 March and Friday 28 March.
Tickets are available with discounts for under 30s, concessions and groups.
Website: https://www.queenslandballet.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/qldballet/
Photo credits: David Kelly
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