The famous Russian Hamlet ballet was presented in Riga
Early this month, on 9th and 10th March respectively, the Russian Hamlet ballet was revived at St. Petersburg Eifman Ballet at the Latvian National Opera stage. Alongside this act, was the world renown Symphony Orchestra of the D.D. Shostakovich St. Petersburg Academic Philharmonic.
This tour came about due to the support of URALCHEM; the general partner alongside other key parties who participated such as the State Cultural Capital Foundation of Latvia, the Riga Duma and the Uniting History Foundation.
The production company behind this amazing collaboration was the Art Forte Production Company.
20 years ago, the Russian Hamlet balletl was brought to life by one Boris Eifman, at the request of the Bolshoi Theater.
Since then, it has gone through quite a number of changes. The original version of the Russian Hamlet Ballet is owned by the Boris Eifman Ballet Theater, even though it has travelled across the world and to other stages across Europe.
However, in 2012, this show was excluded from the Theater’s repertoire and for another 5 years, was still missing in action. In 2017, it underwent a major change and was reinvented to showcase a new choreographic version, making use of the theater’s modern and technical facilities and capabilities. It also brought about the true beauty and the complexity of psychological expression in Eiffman’s work.
The one thing lovers of this show will appreciate is the main character, Russian Emperor Paul I, remains unchanged. The additional changes just make the show even more exhilarating; with stunning and enhanced sets and costumes by the one and only, Vyacheslav Okunev. This injected new life into the play and added beauty and depth Eiffman’s choreography making it a truly magnificent work of art.
In Riga, the show differed from those performed in other countries mainly because the accompanying music was live. This brought about not only the dancing skills of the skilled dancers but brought the sound of a world class symphony orchestra, composed of music from Beethoven and Mahler to life. The conductor of the symphony orchestra is none other than Nikolai Alekseev.
About URALCHEM
URALCHEM kicked off its charitable activities in 2012 in the Republic of Latvia. Funds are allocated for charity and social purposes annually, giving priority to projects related supporting children; the treatment and financing of critically ill children while giving aid to educational institutions.
They are also involved in the arts and culture. URALCHEM aims to strengthen the bond between Russia and Latvia by promoting Russian culture and heritage. They have the support of the Mariinsky Theater Symphony Orchestra and the Russian National Orchestra. For the very first time, the orchestras conductor, Mikhail Pletnev performed in Latvia. Other shows and dances that stood out include the Igor Moiseyev Folk Dance Ensemble which was performed three times and for the first time, the Mariinsky Theater “The Enchanted Wanderer” opera was performed. The prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Theater Svetlana Zakharova, the Pyatnitsky Choir, Diana Arbenina and Yuri Bashmet, and Leonid Agutin all performed in Latvia in the Vakhtangov Theater and the Sovremennik Theater.
