Connect with us

Movies

The magic of The Royal Ballet comes to the Big Screen with Cinema Nouveau

Published

on

CLASSICAL BALLET PRODUCTION OF ROMEO AND JULIET TELLS THE TRAGIC TALE OF SHAKESPEARE’S STAR-CROSSED LOVERS

Kenneth MacMillan’s ground-breaking ballet is a 20th-century classic.

A scene from Romeo & Juliet - The Royal Ballet company

A season of five famous ballets from the Royal Ballet is being screened at Cinema Nouveau theatres over the next few months. The season launched with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in March, and then Swan Lake in May. The third production to be shown on the big screen is the ballet adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragic tale of the star-crossed lovers.Romeo and Juliet, set to Sergey Prokofiev’s beautiful music and choreographed by Kenneth MacMillan, releases exclusively at Cinema Nouveau theatres on Saturday, 06 June, for limited screenings.

Given its premiere by The Royal Ballet in 1965 with Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn dancing the title roles, Kenneth MacMillan’s first full-evening ballet has become a signature work for the Company, enjoying great popularity around the world. The story is set against a wonderful evocation of 16th-century Verona, and includes a bustling marketplace that erupts into a violent sword fight, and a lavish ball held in an elegant mansion.

From the outset, the production teems with life and colour as the townspeople, market traders and servants of the rival Montagues and Capulets go about their daily business in vibrant crowd scenes. But it is Romeo (danced by Federico Bonelli) and Lauren Cuthbertson’s Juliet who take centre stage for the ballet’s great pas de deux.

Although The Royal Ballet has performed Romeo and Juliet over 400 times, each performance and pairing is subtly different, and Lauren Cuthbertson and Federico Bonelli are utterly captivating in the title roles. This performance was captured on camera, live from Covent Garden, to broadcast on the big screen in cinemas worldwide.

Choreographer Kenneth MacMillan’s poignant setting of Sergey Prokofiev’s classic score draws out the emotional and psychological intensity of the tale. Romeo and Juliet contains three passionate pas de deux: the lovers’ first meeting, the famous balcony scene and the devastating final tragedy, in which Romeo dances desperately with the lifeless Juliet.

MacMillan’s Romeo and Juliet first arrived at Covent Garden in 1965. Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn took the title roles on the opening night – MacMillan had originally created the work on Lynn Seymour and Christopher Gable. Nevertheless, Fonteyn and Nureyev’s performance had a rapturous reception, with 43 curtain calls and almost forty minutes of applause. The ballet has been at the heart of the Company’s repertory ever since, amassing more than four hundred performances. This classic production has been toured around the world and in 2011 was adapted for arena-scale performances at the O2 Arena.

 bc-romeo-lauren-cuthbertson-federico-bonelli-poisoned_1000

The story, the cast and crew:

Romeo and Juliet fall passionately in love, but their families are sworn enemies. The lovers marry in secret before Romeo kills Juliet’s cousin Tybalt in a fight and is banished from the city. Juliet’s family arrange for her to marry Paris. To escape, Juliet takes a potion that makes her appear lifeless. Romeo does not receive the message explaining her plan; thinking her dead, he goes to her tomb and kills himself. She wakes, sees Romeo’s corpse and stabs herself.

Romeo: Federico Bonelli
Juliet: Lauren Cuthbertson
Mercutio: Alexander Campbell
Tybalt: Bennet Gartside
Benvolio: Dawid Trzensimiech
Paris: Vale Rihristov
Lord Capulet: Christopher Saunders
Lady Capulet: Christina Arestis
Escalus Prince of Verona: Gary Avis

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, conducted by Barry Wordsworth
Choreography: Kenneth MacMillan

Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden:  Ross McGibbon, a former member of The Royal Ballet, directs the live cinema production, which also includes exclusive backstage footage and interviews with the cast and crew.

View some video clips of The Royal Ballet’s performance of Romeo and Juliet here:

https://youtu.be/791y2sLVF_w

https://youtu.be/qHjh9pzQJnY

 

Romeo and Juliet releases on South African screens on Saturday, 06 June for four screenings only – on 06, 10 and 11 June at 19:30 and on 07 June at 14:30 – only at Cinema Nouveau theatres in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town. Bookings are now open. The running time of this ballet production is 2hrs and 33mins, with one 20-minute interval after Act I.

For booking information on the Royal Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet, visit www.cinemanouveau.co.za or sterkinekor.mobi. Folllow us on Twitter @nouveaubuzz or on Facebook at Cinema Nouveau. Download the Ster-Kinekor App on any Nokia, Samsung Android, iPhone and Blackberry smart phones for updates, news and to book from your mobile. For queries, call TicketLine on 0861 Movies (668 437).

The other two ballets of the Royal Ballet season to be screened at Cinema Nouveau are: La Fille mal Gardée (27 June) and The Winter’s Tale (08 August).

Durbanite
Author: Durbanite

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Attractions

‘DON’T LET’S GO TO THE DOGS TONIGHT’ PREMIERES LOCALLY THIS MONTH

Published

on

By

Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, the highly anticipated feature film based on Alexandra Fuller’s best-selling memoir, will have its official South African premiere on 25 July 2025.

Directed and adapted for screen by Embeth Davidtz, the film marks a rare and powerful cinematic portrayal of Zimbabwe’s transition from colonial rule to independence through the eyes of a child.

Shot in South Africa , the film brings to life 8-year-old Bobo’s coming-of-age amidst the final days of the Rhodesian Bush War. Played by newcomer Lexi Venter, Bobo is a white child growing up on a farm in Zimbabwe, grappling with grief, fractured family life, and the racial dynamics of a world at war. The film’s raw emotion and nuanced storytelling offer an African narrative told from within, with complexity, empathy, and historical depth.

With a powerful local cast including Zikhona Bali, Fumani N Shilubana, and Rob Van Vuuren, and supported by a seasoned creative team, the film is both global in its reach and deeply rooted in the Southern African soil.

Director Embeth Davidtz, who also stars in the film, drew on her own childhood in apartheid-era South Africa to tell the story from Bobo’s point of view allowing space for innocence, questioning, and emotional truth.

This film is deeply personal for me. It helped me process my own childhood in apartheid-era South Africa. Through Bobo’s eyes, I wanted to show that even in the middle of pain and inherited racism, love and transformation are actually possible” stated Embeth Davidtz.

The film is executive produced by South African media powerhouses Anele Mdoda, Frankie Du Toit, and Trevor Noah, and produced by Helena Spring and Paul Buys, whose work continues to redefine African cinema on the global stage.

Following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight now comes home, inviting South African audiences into a layered exploration of land, identity, memory, and healing.

Shelley
Author: Shelley

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Jeremy Loops to perform at Old Mutual Music at the Lake Concert at the Durban Botanic Gardens on Saturday 19 October.

Published

on

By

Durban, September 11th, 2024 – Get ready for an epic Spring celebration as South Africa’s beloved singer-songwriter, Jeremy Loops, returns to Durban for the Old Mutual Music at the Lake concert series. On Saturday, 19 October, the iconic Durban Botanic Gardens will be transformed into a vibrant festival of live music and fun for the whole family.

Gates open at 2 PM, with the concert wrapping up by 7 PM, making it a perfect afternoon of music in one of Durban’s most stunning outdoor venues. Tickets are limited and available on Webtickets – grab yours before they’re gone!

“Old Mutual’s sponsorship of the Music at the Lake series showcases our deep-rooted commitment to nurturing community spirit and celebrating both local and international talent. We believe in the power of music to bring people together and create lasting memories. Our support for this series is our way of supporting the arts and the communities we serve. We are proud to create platforms where talent, family and joy can flourish in the heart of Durban’s historic Botanic Gardens,” said Thobile Tshabalala, Head of Brand at Old Mutual.

Jeremy Loops brings more than just his live performance magic—he’s back with brand-new music!
His latest single, “Go Again,” gives fans a fresh anthem to vibe to before the show. Featuring his signature blend of soulful lyrics and upbeat melodies, “Go Again” is an empowering track about facing life’s challenges head-on.

In Jeremy’s words, “Go Again is my declaration to lean into positivity, to find strength in the storm, and to bring the sunshine, even when it’s raining.” The song, co-written and produced with Edd Holloway (known for his work with Dean Lewis and Lewis Capaldi), marks Jeremy’s second release this year following “Dust Over Dunes” (August 2nd) and gives fans a taste of what to expect from his forthcoming album.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience Jeremy Loops live at the Durban Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the perfect family outing, surrounded by nature and incredible music. Book your tickets now!

Event Details:

Old Mutual Music at the Lake with Jeremy Loops

Date: Saturday, 19 October
Location: Durban Botanic Gardens
Tickets: Available now via Webtickets
Capacity: Limited to 2500 attendees
Times: Gates open 14h00 – Show ends 19h00.

Shelley
Author: Shelley

Continue Reading

Entertainment

DRIVE IN CINEMA AT SUNCOAST DURBAN

Published

on

By

In early May, Impi Concept Events launched Parkflix, a drive-in style entertainment solution to provide KZN fans with their fix of (socially-distanced) entertainment through a host of open-air movie screenings. As lockdown restrictions slowly start to ease, event organisers are thrilled to announce a partnership with Marriott Investment Managers and… an official start date:  Thursday the 13th of August.

From the 13th to the 30th of August, fans can join in the outdoor entertainment from the safety and comfort of their own cars as a series of family favourite movies, blockbuster DVD hits and golden oldie movies are screened outdoors at Suncoast, Durban.

Up to 200 vehicles can be accommodated per show; with attendees arriving in their cars and tuning in via their FM radio sets. The concept ticks all the boxes in terms of safety, as entertainment is displayed on the 12m wide large screen and food is ordered and delivered on-site, giving attendees no reason to leave the car – other than to visit the bathroom.

Suncoast is thrilled to be part of the team bringing back the drive-in concept to Durban,” says Suncoast Marketing Louise Howell. “In a time when everyone needs a little fun to lift the spirits, Parkflix provides the perfect opportunity to entertain the whole family and support local businesses while still adhering to the COVID safety regulations.“

 

SCHEDULE

Movie screenings will take place at 18h45 on Thursday through to Sunday, with an additional 14h00 screening on both Saturday and Sunday. Movies to be aired include Bad Boys For Life featuring Martin Lawrence and Will Smith, Star Wars: Rise of the SkywalkerShrekToy Story 4Notting Hill and Black Panther. Show dates, times and screenings are all available on the Parkflix and Suncoast Facebook pages.

DAY SCREENING TIME
Thursday 13th Aug Bad Boys For Life 18h45
Friday 14th Aug Star Wars: Rise of the Skywalker 18h45
Saturday 15th Aug Shrek 15h00
Notting Hill 18h45
Sunday 16th Aug Toy Story 4 15h00
Black Panther 18h45

COSTS

The cost per show is R220-00 per car of 2 people, with R50-00 per additional person.
Children under 8 are free. Tickets are available immediately via www.webtickets.co.za.

FOOD & BEVERAGES

No movie experience is complete without popcorn. As such, each car will receive one box of Marriott popcorn and one bottle of still aQuelle water. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks or they can purchase from the dedicated Suncoast food vendors who will deliver orders directly to cars.

“Marriott Investment Managers are really excited to be able to partner with Impi Concept Events again,” says Sally Anderson, Head of Marketing at Marriott. “Having previously worked with them on the Marriott Ballito Beats music series on the North Coast of KZN, we share a common goal of bringing fun, family-centric entertainment to the people of Durban with an exciting new form of entertainment during these times.”

In an economic downturn, this partnership is a key investment for KZN’s entertainment industry,” says Stu Berry, Director at Impi Concept Events. “Marriott’s investment will not only provide a wonderful opportunity for the people of KZN to be entertained but will stimulate the industry’s supply chain through the injection of cash flow into the technical, security, ticketing and operational companies that would be required to run these events.

REGULATIONS

No alcohol, cigarettes or firearms are allowed on site; and no picnic spots are to be set up outside of cars. Stringent social distancing regulations will be adhered to at all times. Patrons will be required to wear their masks when making their way to the ablutions.

Limited VIP and general access tickets are available at www.webtickets.co.za.
For personal enquiries around the potential booking of the Parkflix venue and setup for private functions, please email info@splashyfen.co.za.

Shelley
Author: Shelley

Continue Reading
Advertisement

We Are Social

Trending