Romeo and Juliet

Valentina Turku's creative approach reflects the iconography of Renaissance paintings and architecture while incorporating the contemporary relevance of the eternal desire for love. The "hunger" for life and new experiences of love—the sensuality, cruelty, and passion—lies at the heart of the unresolved dramatic conflict that leads to the tragic end of two young idealists. The choreography is firmly grounded in classical vocabulary but is used with flexibility and inventiveness to highlight the characters.

A graduate of the legendary Maurice Béjart, Valentina Turku is an exceptional dancer and choreographer. Her body of work includes over 130 ballet, theatrical, and opera productions, with her ballets touring worldwide. Critics have described her works as sensational emotional experiences, visionary ideas, and unique sensory poetry, infused with a strong theatrical sense. Turku received the Slovenian State Award for her outstanding achievement as director and choreographer for the production of "Romeo and Juliet" in 2012 at the Slovenian National Theatre in Maribor, which was also successfully staged in Riga in 2014 and in Vilnius in 2015.

With its lush, captivating music and intricate choreography, "Romeo and Juliet" remains a beloved classic in the ballet repertoire. Prokofiev captures the intensity of the lovers' emotions—from the joy of their first meeting to the tragedy of their untimely death. Few can forget the "Dance of the Knights," "Juliet the Young Girl," "Dawn," "Minuet," and other memorable pieces from the ballet's score. The ballet adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet" has been performed countless times around the world, captivating audiences with its timeless tale of unrequited love and ultimate tragedy.