Marianela Nunez as Princess Aurora. Photos: Royal Opera HouseThe Royal Ballet’s landmark production of The Sleeping Beauty screens live tomorrow at Eden Cinemas in St Julian’s.
An enchanted world full of princesses, fairy godmothers and magical spells, this ballet is a perennial delight and much-loved classic. It combines the best of classical ballet with all its charms and virtuosity, splendid music and talented dancers.
First choreographed to Tchaikovsky’s great musical score by Marius Petipa in Russia in 1890, The Sleeping Beauty has wonderful ensembles, solos, including the Rose Adage as Princess Aurora meets her suitors and the concluding celebratory dances for the happy union of the prince and princess.
The production designs by Oliver Messell, one of the greatest stage designers of the 20th century, were restored and updated for this production by Peter Farmer. The rich evocations of the baroque opulence of a royal court, the panoramic journey of the prince to the overgrown castle and the colourful characters in this famous fairy tale make this Sleeping Beauty a spectacle like no other.
As a special addition to the event, ballerinas from the Brigitte Gauci Borda School of Dance will be pirouetting through the cinema foyer dressed in a Sleeping Beauty ensemble prior to the screening. They will be performing a number from The Sleeping Beauty to warm the audience up for the Royal Ballet’s performance.
A competition to win lots of ballerina-related prizes will be running prior to the screening.
■ The live broadcast is taking place tomorrow at 8pm. Tickets include a complimentary glass of wine and complimentary parking at the Eden Leisure Car park. An encore screening is being held on Sunday, March 5 at 3pm and tickets to this performance also include free parking. For more information, visit www.edencinemas.com.mt.