- 25 Apr 2024
- 3 minutes read
Romeo and Juliet Suite, a contemporary twist on the classic story
After a triumphant success in Paris, Benjamin Millepied and L.A. Dance Project will present their spectacular "Romeo and Juliet Suite" at Forest National in Brussels for three exceptional dates in October.
With his new production, Benjamin Millepied offers a contemporary vision of Prokofiev’s masterpiece Romeo & Juliet. The choreographer navigates between cinema, dance and theatre, reinterpreting Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers as young adults in an urban environment where social norms prevent them from living out their love story.
Each performance features a different cast, highlighting diverse couples – male/female, male/male, female/female – making this version of Romeo & Juliet a universal celebration of love. Benjamin Millepied thus presents the mythical tale through a modern and original prism, further embellished by Prokofiev’s music.
"THE DANCE SCENES WERE NOT ONLY DAZZLING TO THE EYES BUT ALSO WRENCHINGLY EXPRESSIVE: BALLETIC MOVES ALTERNATED WITH NATURALISTIC GESTURES OF ARDOR OR SORROW." THE NEW YORKER
L.A. Dance Project, a collective known for its innovative and multidisciplinary approach, uses a projection system that creates a groundbreaking experience, fusing dancers on stage and on screen. Scenes are broadcast in real time, from unexpected locations in the theater and backstage. The dancers are filmed live and move from stage to screen and back again. The choreography is between film, dance and theater, creating a unique perspective on impossible love that blurs the line between reality and fiction.
"I LOVE THE IDEA OF USING DANCE, LIVE PERFORMANCE AND CINEMATOGRAPHIC IMAGES TO EXPRESS A TIMELESS STORY THAT REALLY SPEAKS TO THE AUDIENCE. THIS PRODUCTION CREATES A COMPREHENSIVE ARTISTIC EXPERIENCE WHILE ECHOING CURRENT SOCIAL ISSUES, ALL WITH A CAST THAT CHANGES NIGHT BY NIGHT." BENJAMIN MILLEPIED
Renowned choreographer Benjamin Millepied
Benjamin Millepied is a French choreographer, filmmaker and former dancer of the New York City Ballet. Millepied trained in classical ballet with Vladimir Skouratoff at the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, then at the School of American Ballet with Stanley Williams and Adam Luders. In 1995, he joined the New York City Ballet, where he was finally promoted to principal dancer in 2002.
In 2001, Millepied turned to choreography. He has worked for a number of international dance companies, including New York City Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Berlin Staatoper and Dutch National Ballet. He has also choreographed several films, including Black Swan in 2009, in which he was also a dancer. More recently, he worked on the latest blockbuster Dune, starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, for which he created the famous "Sandwalk".
L.A. Dance Project
L.A. Dance Project is a boundary expanding non-profit dance company based in Los Angeles and led by founder and Artistic Director Benjamin Millepied. L.A. Dance Project rehearses and performs at its studio theater 2245 and presents at venues around the world. The company’s repertory is comprised of new creations from Millepied, historic reconstructions, and a collection of diverse new commissions from emerging choreographers. The company’s repertory features multidisciplinary collaborations with visual artists, musicians, designers, filmmakers and composers. Previous collaborators have included Barbara Kruger, Emily Mast, Bryce Dessner, Liam Gillick, Tino Sehgal, James Welling, and Mark Bradford among others.
Since its founding, L.A. Dance Project has performed at prestigious venues and festivals in approximately 100 cities around the world. Some notable venues include the Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Théâtre du Châtelet, the Holland Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, La Maison de la Danse, and the Saitama Arts Center, as well as the Shanghai, Beijing, and Dubai Opera Houses.
