Paris Opera Ballet
Nureyev’s Romeo and Juliet:
Opéra Bastille, Paris
2 April 2026
What a pleasure to see the magnificent ballet Romeo and Juliet return to the Opéra Bastille!
This new run, from April 2 to May 12, 2026, a revival from 2021, stands out for its tried-and-true elements as well as numerous role takings.
A look back at a sparkling premiere, featuring the splendid Sae Un Park as Juliet, promoted to étoile in this ballet in 2021, and the equally perfect Paul Marque as Romeo. An experienced duo who brings this legendary couple to life beautifully, having already danced the ballet together. And the supporting characters are no less impressive.
Whether in theatre, ballet, opera, or film, the romantic theme of thwarted love between Romeo and Juliet, two young residents of the bustling city of Verona, Italy, set against the backdrop of a “vendetta” between their two families, the Montagues and the Capulets, continues to captivate audiences all over the world.
The Romeo and Juliet in the Paris Opera’s repertoire remains faithful to Shakespeare’s drama. Rudolf Nureyev’s version dates from 1977, for London Festival Ballet, before being reworked in 1984 by “the master” for the Paris Opera. It is worth noting that when he arrived as artistic director of the Ballet in 1983, three versions were already in the repertoire: those by Serge Lifar, Yuri Grigorovich, and John Cranko. Other well-known versions of this ballet include those created by Kenneth MacMillan for the Royal Ballet and Rudi van Dantzig for Het Nationale Ballet of the Netherlands.
Enhanced by Prokofiev’s brilliant and spellbinding score, premiered in 1934, the Paris National Opera’s version, characterised by its powerful drama, is highly cinematic.
Ezio Frigerio’s new sets, some of which are inspired by Botticelli’s landscapes and are truly beautiful, may perhaps seem a bit more understated than usual, in preparation for the company’s upcoming tour. It took over 4,000 hours of painting and nearly 1,000 sheets of copper to create them in the company’s workshops.
It is above all Juliet who “grows” over the course of the ballet’s three acts. From an innocent and somewhat shy young girl in the first act, she transforms into a rebellious teenager in love who defies parental authority, ultimately becoming a woman determined in her love for Romeo.
Her interpreter, Sae Un Park, trained at the Korean National Ballet Academy, was a soloist with the Korean National Ballet before joining the Paris Opera Ballet in 2011 as a supernumerary, climbing the ranks one by one in this prestigious company that she was determined to join at all costs.
This young prima ballerina, with her flawless technique and fluid movements, perfectly captures the psychological evolution of her character as she faces dramatic choices.
Her partner in the story, Romeo, is danced by Paul Marque, a petit rat de l’Opéra who entered the School of Dance in 2008 and joined the company in 2014. A gold medallist at the 2016 Varna Competition, he was promoted to étoile in 2020 for his role as the Golden Idol in La Bayadère.
Marque’s portrayal of Romeo is full of passion and energy, lightness, and perfectly executed jumps.
It is the famous and difficult long pas de deux between the two lovers in the first act that particularly keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
It should be noted that for the dramatic development of this tragic story, the supporting roles are also significant. Take, for example, Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin, portrayed by Jérémy-Loup Quer, or Mercutio, a friend of Romeo’s, danced by Francesco Mura. In the first act, for example, Mercutio tries in vain to reconcile the two families to prevent any tragedy.
Or Benvolio, Romeo’s cousin and friend, danced by Jack Gasztowtt. Not to mention Rosaline, Romeo’s first love, portrayed by Silvia Saint-Martin, and Pâris, the young lord of Verona who is in love with Juliet, played by Andrea Sarri.
In short, an unforgettable performance where the artistry of this exceptional company shines through without restraint.