Ballett: Romeo und Julia

A destroyed world, hostile clans, and two young people whose love finds no place in a society marked by violence: “Romeo and Juliet” appears at the Graz Opera as a powerful dance evening between passion and survival instinct.

The French choreographer Etienne Béchard relocates William Shakespeare's tragedy to a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world. His production combines contemporary dance, theater, and acrobatics with Sergei Prokofiev's emotional ballet music. The story of the Montague and Capulet families is told from today's perspective, without losing sight of the central conflict of the material: the contrast between deep-rooted hatred and a love that seeks to transcend societal boundaries.

Prokofiev's score musically elaborates on Romeo and Juliet and simultaneously develops great rhythmic and tonal intensity. Béchard incorporates these contrasts into his modern choreography. For the Graz audience, this is the first work of the choreographer, who has previously worked for, among others, the Ballet de l’Opéra du Rhin, the Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, and the Bühnen Bern.

On the main stage, the Graz Ballet and the Graz Philharmonic collaborate. The musical direction is handled, depending on the performance, by Marius Burkert or Ulises Maino. The ballet in four acts lasts about two hours and is recommended for visitors aged twelve and older. The premiere takes place on October 17, 2026; further performances follow until February 4, 2027.

Tickets are available online.
The opera is accessible by public transport.