Jean-Christophe Maillot’s take on Roméo et Juliette
Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette took shape with the episodic style of Sergei Prokofiev’s score in mind, creating a rendition with more cinematic narrative. This form allowed the story to seep into themes of adolescent emotion, rather than placing a strong focus on the political-social opposition between the feuding worlds Romeo and Juliet come from.
Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette premiered in December 1996 with Les Ballets de Monte Carlo. Celebrated for focusing on the bare truths of the classic tale, Maillot’s rendition is told through the layered perspective of Friar Laurence, a well-intentioned cleric who despite his attempts to aid Romeo and Juliet, dooms the pair in the end.
By depicting the story from the flashback-like perspective of Friar Laurence, viewers are offered a new way of understanding the events that led to the tragic fate of the couple through a vantage point that deepens the audience’s connection to the inevitability of the story. Balancing its famed classical elegance with a contemporary sensitivity, Maillot’s choreography infuses moments of humor and lightness while preserving the intensity and urgency of love.
What to expect
Maillot portrays the lovestruck teenagers with dynamic depth and emotion, and costuming and scenic design are kept light and uncomplicated, amplifying the power and desperation that characterizes young love. Audiences can expect to be blown away by the raw fervor and turmoil of the characters coupled with Prokofiev’s thundering score. The understated sets allow space for audiences to be reflected in the story.
Ernest Pignon-Ernest’s scenic design is grand yet minimalistic, seamlessly integrating into the production’s most iconic moments—such as the balcony scene—without overpowering the story as it unfolds. With sets that leave bountiful space to occupy, Maillot’s choreography requires an unwavering amount of intention and endurance from the dancers.
Sergei Prokofiev’s score carries listeners through the tale of Romeo and Juliet as if they are viewing from above. With twinkling highs and roaring lows, the Boston Ballet Orchestra brings the magnificent score to life.
The role of Juliet is one of the most quintessential roles in ballet and an honor for any dancer to portray. In Maillot’s version, Juliet dances both en pointe and barefoot, a unique element that makes the role even more in depth.
There is not a single lull of movement on stage, with seemingly simple details like the caress of a fingertip, and aerial, athletic fight scenes all evoking equal amounts of marvel. The deliberateness of every moment is what makes this ballet so challenging.
The only weapons wielded by the characters are impassioned movements led by premonition, making Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette an ever-relevant exploration of the lengths love will go to when details are stripped away.
Be there for when ROMÉO ET JULIETTE makes its Boston debut May 29–June 8.
