Latvian Ballet: the best plays that can’t be missed

The Nutcracker

“On Christmas Eve, little Maria receives a Nutcracker doll as a gift. At midnight, the toys under the Christmas tree come to life and miraculous adventures begin: an army of mice invades the room, the Nutcracker turns into a prince, frees Maria and takes her to the fairyland.

The magical love story between a girl and a brave wooden figure can be considered a classic in the national ballet repertoire. The premiere of this ballet took place at the end of 2000, and since then, every year on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, this production has attracted hundreds of spectators, who enjoy excellent choreography combined with Tchaikovsky’s immortal music, as well as the magical atmosphere conjured by the scenography. The scenographer and costume designer of this show is fashion historian and collector Alexander Vasilliev.

The director of the production, Aivars Leimanis, adapted the story to its surroundings: the ballet still takes place at the end of the 19th century but in Riga; Outside the window is a cold winter while on the inside, at home – flowers are blooming.

Le Corsaire

“Hot-headed, romantic pirate – Konrad, in love with the beautiful Medora, frees her from the slave market and takes her to his secret home, not even realizing what adventures the fate has prepared for both of them.”

In 1863, an adventure ballet – “Le Corsair” was presented on the stage of the Paris Opera. 147 years later, in 2003, the premiere took place in Latvia. The play is traditionally very bright (literally and figuratively): including love passions, pirate tricks, noisy market squares and fierce battles. In general, everything needed to teleport the viewer into the Far Eastern atmosphere for two and a half hours.

Corsair’s choreography is unique – including the most complex Pas de deux and Pas d’esclave elements, which are so difficult to perform that only the most professional ballet dancers can do them. Now the role of Konrad is played by Sergei Neikshin and Raimonds Martinovs, meanwhile Annija Kopstale, Jolanta Lubeja, as well as owner of the Order of the Three Stars – Baiba Kokina, take on the role of Medora.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

“Rock Ballet: An Adaptation of the Brothers Grimm’s Famous Tale of Kindness, Generosity, Friendship and Love”.

A show from the category “you can and should take children to the ballet”, which has been successfully staged on the LNOB stage for more than 15 years. Choreographer Regina Kaupuza managed to come up with an incredibly gorgeous show that is interesting to watch for both children and adults. Young artists – the best students of the Riga Choreography School take part in the production which makes this play especially warm.

The Sleeping Beauty

“The tale of a beautiful, enchanted princess who’s saved by the kiss of a brave prince.”

Yet again, a play in which the music composed by Tchaikovsky can be heard, which again gives pleasure not only to the eyes but ears as well. There are two versions of the Sleeping Beauty ballet: the first was performed at the Paris Opera in 1829, and the second at Mariinsky Theater in 1890. It is for the second version that Tchaikovsky wrote his beautiful music, and it is this version that is still played on many of the world-class stages. “The Sleeping Beauty” has been successfully performed in Latvia for 13 years.

It is believed that the inclusion of “The Sleeping Beauty” in repertoire is a sign of a high level of the theater: the role of Aurora is one of the most complex in all of women’s ballet. Currently, five ballerinas are able to play this role on the LNOB stage.

Peer Gynt

“The old adventurer and businessman Peer Gynt, having embarked on many adventures in different parts of the world, now returns home, where the faithful Solveig has been waiting for him for many years.”

We move from classics to modern masterpieces.

“Peer Gynt” was staged in Latvia by the world-famous Slovak Edward Clug , who is known as the “voice of the new generation of choreographers” due to his unconventional approach and many achievements.

The plot is based on the motifs of the Norwegian writer’s Henrik Ibsen’s famous drama, meanwhile, the music belongs to Edvard Grieg (here “In the Cave of the Mountain King” comes to mind immediately). Klug’s production is absurd and surreal, but at the same time serves as a great irony: he managed to turn the sad message of the original work into near-comedy, with a deep and biting philosophy.

By the Blue Danube

“A girl named Annelle and a young composer Franz love each other, enjoy feelings and youth. But their happiness is overshadowed by the famous dancer’s – Fransiska’s unexpected arrival to the town.

And one-two-three, one-two-three… yes, yes, this is the waltz of the great Strauss, which became the soundtrack for the ballet “By the Blue Danube”. Dresses with crinoline, fans, cylinders – the scenography surprises with its grace and scale.

In 2017, 60 years after the premiere of the first version of “Danube” in Latvia, the premiere of the second, slightly modified and adapted version took place. The previous version was relevant until 2000. According to Aivars Leimanis, the new performance is almost identical to the original, except that before, a huge video projection of the blue Danube was not visible in the background. Leimanis also describes the performance as a cake with whipped cream and chocolate on top.”

Romeo and Juliet

“The eternal love story of a young man and a girl from two conflicting families of Verona.”

The ballet, accompanied by the music of Sergei Prokofiev, was staged in Latvia under the direction of Croatian choreographers Leo Mujic and Valentina Turku . In the past, during her ballerina days, Valentina danced with Maurice Bejar himself – a very important figure for European ballet.

In this version, Turku offers her vision of that bright, passionate, sensual and cruel era, the atmosphere of which is perfused by scenic artist – Marko Japelj (he has more than 300 productions worldwide).

Coppelia

“The story of the lovers Swanilda and Franz, the inventing doctor Coppelia and his mysterious, legendary daughter.”

“Coppelia” is the oldest and most important choreographic comedy. The ballet’s libretto was based on Amadeus Hoffmann’s fairy tale “The Sandman”, and it premiered at the Paris Opera in 1870. Since then, it continues to be staged by various theaters from all over the world. The Latvian “Coppelia” was published in 2009.

Unlike its prototype, “The Sandman”, this ballet is a comical and fun performance, without excessive drama.

We should also mention the scenographer and costume designer Ināra Gauja whose name can be seen in almost every production of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet. “Coppelia” is undoubtedly one of her greatest works of art.

La Bayadere

“The story of the unhappy love between a temple dancer, the graceful bayadere Nikki, and the noble Indian warrior Solor.”

To get into the atmosphere of the country of Maharajas and Fakirs, it is not necessary to go to India – the ballet “La Bayadera” can just as successfully provide this experience. Passionate oriental dances, props of exotic animals and hypnotizing music, composed by Ludwig Minkus.

In 1877, as we already know, Marius Petipa prepared “Bayadera” for his favorite ballerina and muse, Yekaterina Vazema. Meanwhile, Aivars Leimanis staged this ballet in Latvia in 2012, using the original choreography. In the year of its premiere, the show was a resounding success, being voted “the best production of the season” in audience’s eyes.

Swan Lake

“A heartbreaking and beautiful love story filled with many obstacles and trials that young lovers must overcome.”

And finally. In 2020, the LNOB repertoire was supplemented with the ballet of all ballets – “Swan Lake”. Aivars Leimanis is confident that this is one of the most vivid ballets ever staged on the LNOB stage. And it is quite justified: the costumes were designed by the famous Robert Perdziola, who, in addition to cooperation with leading world theaters, also managed to work with Franco Zeffirelli. 3 years ago, his genius finger touched the Latvian ballet stage as well.