Ballet BC gives Shakespeare’s star-cross lovers a new twist in production of Romeo + Juliet

A fresh retelling of Romeo and Juliet is a first for Ballet B.C.

The company is presenting the world premiere of this specially commissioned piece. It’s a new, contemporary take of the Shakespeare play from Medhi Walerski, a rising French star of the international dance scene.

Ballet BC’s production of Romeo + Juliet plays the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Feb. 21-24. Find out more below.

This version is set to Sergei Prokofiev’s original score. But the new production showcases “Walerski’s signature style.” This style “brings together dazzling landscapes woven with poetic, unpredictable and complex imagery.” According to a media release, Walerski is “one of the most original voices in international dance today.”

Walerski has previously worked with Ballet BC, on the works Petite Cérémonie, Prelude, and Natus. Romeo and Juliet will be Walerski’s second full-evening commission for Ballet BC, and his first full-length narrative work. The Los Angeles Times includes his piece Chamber, for Nederlands Dans Theatre, as one of the 10 best performances of 2013.

The reworking also features a collaboration between Dutch set and lighting designer Theun Mosk, an international team of collaborators and the Arts Umbrella Graduate Dance Program. Ballet BC dancers Brandon Alley and Emily Chessa star in the principal roles.

Romeo + Juliet kicks of the Ballet’s 32nd season. Tickets range from $35-100 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.ca or 1-855-985-2787 (855-985-ARTS).