BWW Interviews: Elena Lobsanova talks the World Premiere of Romeo and Juliet

The National Ballet of Canada is celebrating its 60th Season in Toronto this year and is opening with a landmark new production of the classic Romeo and Juliet. The show marks a World Premiere by Alexei Ratmansky who was hailed by the New York Times as "the most in-demand ballet choreographer in the world". Romeo and Juliet has been a signature piece for the National Ballet since entering the repertoire in 1964 so it is a fitting production to mark the 60th Anniversary. This new production of Romeo and Juliet is described as being totally fresh and brilliantly imagined. It features Prokofiev's touching score and will combine an elegant and classic vocabulary with intense and emotional modern dance.

The National Ballet closed its 59th Season with the North American premiere of Alice in Wonderland which played to sold-out audiences and critical praise. Elena Lobsanova was part of that glorious production and was recently promoted to First Soloist within the ballet. She will play Juliet on opening night (November 16th) as well as select subsequent performances. BWW spoke to Elena about the challenges associated with performing such a well known and treasured piece, as well as the new demands she faces taking on the role of a First Soloist:

Congratulations on Romeo and Juliet! This is your first year as a First Soloist, how have the expectations changed in terms of demands on you as a dancer?

Thank you. Thus far, I have been fully immersed in the role of Juliet. The challenge was to create a deeply interpreted new role. I don't think rank has significance to the calendar year when approaching a role - it is more about the workload you are given and what you produce, how you produce it and of course, how you deliver it to the audience. My work began with translating the movement into meaning for the character. Most of the choreography is beautifully woven into Juliet's character already so that it is implicit what the elements in the choreography were meant to evoke emotionally and/or psychologically, however, sometimes the intricacy of the choreography can make you feel that you are trying to crack a code, that the choreography will reveal its full meaning if you find the root of its complexities.

Romeo and Juliet has been a long treasured piece in the ballet's repertoire - but for the 60th season is getting a new revision. What is the biggest adaptation or change in your opinion?

In my opinion, the one adaptation is the inclusion of some sections of the original musical score by Prokofiev.

Romeo and Juliet is one of those pieces that most people know and inherently love, how do you think they will respond to it being re-imagined for this world premiere?

Romeo and Juliet is such a momentous ballet, in part, because of Prokofiev's score. I think that a very musical choreographer such as Alexei Ratmansky can be trusted with justifying the music's potential.

You are obviously fairly immersed in the world of dance - do you get the chance to experience other forms of theatre? If so, have you seen anything recently you have particularly enjoyed?

I recently saw the Chagall exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto. It was an inspiring exhibit. He had quite a hard upbringing yet his optimism, wit and humour seemed to have persevered through his art. It also brought back memories of when I visited the Palais Garnier at the Paris Opera several years ago, of being in complete awe at seeing his starkly colourful images displayed on the ceiling. I wish I could find more time to go to the Symphony and the Opera.

And finally, for those new to the ballet, what would you say to encourage them to come out and see the production?

Alexei is a wonderful visionary. I trust him to interpret the music we all love into something resoundingly soulful.

When and Where?
Romeo and Juliet

The National Ballet of Canada - Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

Romeo and Juliet opens on November 16th and plays until November 27th

Tickets range from $25 to $177 and can be purchased by phone at (1 866) 345-9595 or online at www.nationalballet.ca

Standing Room Tickets
$12 standing room tickets go on sale at 11:00 am on the day of a performance and are available for purchase in person only at the Four Seasons Centre Box Office, 145 Queen St. W. Standing room tickets are subject to availability and are limited to two per person.

 

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