Nahat's ROMEO AND JULIET is a three-act ballet set to the music of Sergei Prokofiev with scenery and costumes designed by the late David Guthrie. Nahat dedicated the work to Lucia Chase (1897-1986), Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre (1940-1975). It was first performed, March 5, 1986 at the State Theater in Cleveland, Ohio. R&J had its first San Jose performance at San Jose Center for the Performing Arts on April 22, 1988 and had not been seen since 1995. The 2006 revival featured Maykel Solas and Karen Gabay in the title roles and garnered rave reviews. (The ballet was created for Gabay 20 years earlier.)
San Jose Mercury News called it a "not-to-be-missed production,"Â and exclaimed that even at three hours in length, "I wouldn't give up a single moment."Â San Francisco Chronicle raved, "Nahat's production embodies the sweep and well as the underlying resonance of Shakespeare's tragedy."Â The ANG newspaper group called it "exquisite"Â and "stunning"Â.
Ballet San Jose is no stranger to the "Izzies"Â, having won Revival Awards in 1990 for THREE VIRGINS AND A DEVIL (Agnes De Mille) and THE GREEN TABLE (Kurt Jooss) and again in 2002 for GAÃŽTÉ PARISIENNE (Leonide Massine) and for RAINBOW 'ROUND MY SHOULDER (Donald McKayle) who was also nominated for DISTRICT STORYVILLE in 2004.
A free public ceremony honoring all aspects of the Bay Area's vibrant dance community will be held at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco the evening of Monday, April 23rd. A Greeting Reception is at 6pm; Awards Ceremony begins at 7pm. Awards will be presented in 9 different categories. -- www.balletsanjose.org
Posted February 5th, 2007 by ruzik_tuzik
