La Bayadère

L. Minkus

“La Bayadère”

Ballet in 3 acts and 5 scenes

Libretto by Marius Petipa and Sergei Khudekov.

Choreography by Marius Petipa

The ballet was first premiered on 23 January 1877 at the Bolshoi Theatre (Saint Petersburg). Subsequently, many great choreographers turned to this ballet, however, the version by Vakhtang Chabukiani and Vladimir Ponomarev, staged in 1941 and revised in 1948, is nowadays considered to be the most remarkable one.

“La Bayadère” is set in the Royal India of the past. The temple dancer (bayadère) Nikia is loved by the High Brahmin and the noble warrior Solor. The Rajha Dugmanta, who is unaware of these passions, decides to reward Solor and decrees that the warrior will marry his daughter, Gamzatti. Solor is thrown into confusion, but he cannot reject such an honour. The High Brahmin informs the Rajah of Nikia and Solor’s love. The Rajha is incensed and decides that it is Nikia who must die. But the High Priest, obsessed by forbidden passion for Nikia, did not expect such an outcome – he wants to do away with Solor.

Their dispute is overheard by Gamzatti. She summons Nikia to her room and demands that Nikia should give up Solor, moreover, she attempts to bribe Nikia. The insulted bayadère pulls out a dagger to strike Gamzatti, but a slave girl intervenes.

At the magnificent celebrations for the wedding of Solor and Gamzatti Nikia is ordered to entertain the public with her dances. As a reward, Gamzatti orders to present her a basket of flowers. Suddenly, a poisonous snake hidden in the basket slips out and bites the bayadère. Nikia refuses the antidote offered by the High Brahmin and dies.

Solor is distraught. Solor dreams, he is in the Kingdom of the Shades, where he sees Nikia. She reminds him of his vow and beckons him to follow her. Solor remains forever with his beloved in the Kingdom of the Shades.

PRODUCTION GROUP:

Choreographer: Altynai Asylmuratova, People’s Artist of Russia

Assistant Choreographers: Konstantin Zaklinsky, Honoured Artist of Russia / Elena Sherstneva

Conductor and Music Director: Arman Urazgaliyev

Set Designer: Ezio Frigerio

Costume Designer: Franca Squarciapino

Projection Designer: Sergio Metalli

Lighting Designer: Vinicio Cheli

Stage Managers: Altynganym Akhmetova, Ainur Khalelova

BALLET DANCERS, ORCHESTRA AND EXTRAS OF THE ASTANA OPERA HOUSE

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