On May 12, 2016 the Novosibirsk opera and ballet theatre celebrates its 71st birthday by premiering Le Corsaire ballet. This title is iconic for the Theatre: it is Le Corsaire that became the very first ballet production to be performed on the stage of the newly opened Theatre 70 years ago in the summer of 1946. New interpretation of the old-time ballet will be introduced by distinguished dancer Farukh Ruzimatov.
Le Corsaire is filled with rich oriental flavour and romance of pirate life: lively markets, languishing harems, luxurious gardens, breathtaking adventures, ships and battles. Enchanting music by Adolph Adam and brilliant choreography by Jules Perrot and Marius Petipa fascinate audiences around the globe for already more than 150 years. This production by the People’s Artist of Russia Farukh Ruzimatov, whose dancing career goes hand in hand with Le Corsaire, is called a «romantic thriller» by critics.
Farukh Ruzimatov, choreographer of the ballet, comments on the premiere:
"Any premiere is always a thrilling anticipation for both artists and audience. This version of the ballet, in my opinion, is very bright, colourful and captivating. Le Corsaire will be interesting not only for adult audience but for children as well.
Certain scenes are staged by choreographer Georgy Kovtun well-known to Novosibirsk audience for one of the biggest premieres of current theatre season — Spartacus ballet:
«It is with great pleasure that I am involved in staging character dances for Le Corsaire. The action takes place on a market where slaves from all over the world are being sold, that is why both local colour and national tradition in dance are different. Besides that, I am staging stunts and battle scenes. It is a story about honourable pirates, bandits, Robin Hood-like characters. It should be very interesting for young people.»
The production is dedicated to the memory of Valery Levental, the world famous scene painter and set designer, who worked with the Novosibirsk opera and ballet theatre on multiple occasions.
In the 71st season Le Corsaire ballet as revised by Farukh Ruzimatov can be attended on May 12 and 14, June 14, 15 and 16.