Romeo & Juliet
Aotea Centre| 2017
RNZB Review: Romeo & Juliet
The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet, choreographed by Francesco Ventriglia, is a remarkable farewell gift from the outgoing Artistic Director. Currently being performed in Auckland, this production is a testament to Ventriglia’s ability to reimagine a classic tale, despite my own reservations about his earlier work. Romeo & Juliet is a masterpiece, though its three-hour runtime demands commitment from the audience.
The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Hamish McKeich, brought Sergei Prokofiev’s iconic score to life. The music, alternating between dramatic crescendos and tender interludes, matched Shakespeare's timeless tale's emotional depth and intensity. Notably, the contrast between Act 2’s epic death and Act 3’s bittersweet opening offered a poignant musical journey.
James Acheson, an Academy Award-winning designer, has crafted a stunning visual world. The set functions like an elaborate dollhouse—opening, rotating, and transforming into Verona’s streets, Juliet’s balcony, and grand ballrooms. The costumes are equally breathtaking, rich in detail and evocative of Renaissance Verona. Each piece on stage transports the audience. Jon Buswell’s lighting design complements Acheson’s work brilliantly. From soft side lighting that simulates sunsets and moonlight to the vivid reds and golds of the Capulet ball, Buswell uses light to create depth and mood without drawing attention to its mechanics.
Joseph Skelton’s Romeo bursts onto the stage with boundless energy, setting the tone alongside Massimo Margaria (Mercutio) and Filippo Valmorbida (Benvolio). Their camaraderie, expressed through explosive jumps and intricate synchronisation, is magnetic. The Act 1 fight scene between the Montagues and Capulets is a choreographic triumph, with swords clashing and the tension palpable.
Madeline Graham as Juliet embodies innocence and youthful exuberance in Act 1, evolving into a character of maturity and resolve by Act 3. Her performance captures both the naivety of first love and the strength of a woman defying societal constraints. Her duets with Romeo are breathtaking, a seamless blend of grace, emotion, and technical brilliance.
In the programme, Ventriglia states, “It’s not enough just to make beautiful steps. They have to be true to the characters and story.” This philosophy shines in every moment of Romeo & Juliet. The choreography is as emotionally rich as it is technically demanding, capturing the essence of Shakespeare’s characters with authenticity and passion.
Prokofiev originally composed an alternative happy ending for Romeo & Juliet—an artistic concession to the notion that ballet audiences prefer joy. However, the production stays true to the tragic narrative, with Act 3 led powerfully by Juliet. The music softens after Act 2’s dramatic death, creating a bittersweet transition that lingers in the heart long after the final curtain.
The RNZB’s Romeo & Juliet is a triumph. It is a production where every element—choreography, music, set, costumes, and lighting—works harmoniously. As Ventriglia’s parting gift to the RNZB, it stands as a testament to his artistic vision and the company’s ability to bring that vision to life. If you can, experience this beautiful, heart-wrenching production before it leaves the stage. It’s a love story you won’t forget.
- Review for Kick Arts Radio (Presented audibly)