EVENT DESCRIPTION
Italy’s Roberto Bolle is a true superstar of international ballet, recognised around the globe as one of the greatest dancers of his generation. Equally renowned for his prowess in classical and contemporary roles, he is a sought-after partner of the world’s leading ballerinas, and has starred with prestigious companies including La Scala Ballet, The Royal Ballet, the Paris Opera Ballet, the Bolshoi Ballet, Mariinsky Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.
A hugely in-demand dancer, his flawless and virtuosic technique, superb acting, incomparable charisma and extraordinary physical beauty have made him a national icon and won him a massive following worldwide.
Evocative, provocative and simply mesmerising, celebrated Italian dance phenomenon Roberto Bolle honours an earlier Italian cultural icon, the painter Caravaggio, in the first overseas staging of this stunning spectacle hailed by Dance Today as “a masterpiece”.
Caravaggio (1571-1610), who influenced the likes of Rembrandt and Rubens, is one of the greatest painters to have ever lived. Using his signature chiaroscuro technique, Caravaggio achieved a dramatic contrast between light and dark that resulted in a revolutionary sense of depth and volume in his paintings.
His turbulent life was as full of contrasts between darkness and light as his paintings. Notoriously dissolute and prone to violence, Caravaggio killed a romantic rival in a fight and died aged just 38 in mysterious circumstances. His short life was lived in the fast lane and his work was immensely popular, filling palaces and churches.
Bolle’s electrifying performance brings Caravaggio back to life, torn between the angels of his art and the demons of his soul, supported by a hand-picked group of dancers. Mauro Bigonzetti’s spectacular choreography combines classical technique with contemporary elements, and the two-act ballet reflects the intensity, realism and erotism of the painter’s life and artistry. Bruno Moretti’s luscious score re-orchestrates music by Caravaggio’s contemporary Claudio Monteverdi, including excerpts from his famous operas L’Orfeo and The Coronation of Poppea, transporting us into the inner world of a creative genius.
CAST
Roberto Bolle: Caravaggio
Maria Khoreva: The Light
Anastasia Matvienko: The Dark
Ekaterine Surmava: The Beauty
Gioacchino Starace: Soloist 1
Ildar Young: Soloist 2
