News

The Centenary of the National Theatre Ballet in Belgrade to be Celebrated with the Premiere of "The Pirate/Le Corsaire" 

9 March 2023

The centenary of the Ballet of the National Theatre in Belgrade will be celebrated on March 19 (7:30 p.m.) on the Main Stage with the premiere performance of the ballet "The Pirate/Le Corsaire".

The ballet "The Pirate/Le Corsaire", which will be performed on our stage for the first time in its integral version, belongs to the opus of classical, grandiose ballet productions of the 19th century, and precisely because of that, it represents a significant and major undertaking of the National Theatre Ballet.

"I chose this title from the classical repertoire because this ballet has not been staged in our country until now, which also contributes to the exclusivity of the grand celebration of our jubilee. A large number of protagonists participate in this production, which is full of attractive solo and ensemble parts. I wanted our ballet to be presented with its entire ensemble and to show its grandeur and quality. By working on this production, our renowned artists will reestablish themselves, while the younger ones will have the opportunity to improve and develop their talents. I hope that this show will live on stage for a long time to the joy of all ballet art lovers", the Artistic Director of the National Theatre Ballet in Belgrade, Ana Pavlović, says.

Our version of this ballet spectacle, choreographed by Bakhram Yuldashev, to the music of Adolphe Adam and a group of composers, will be performed according to the instructions of M. Petipa and P. Gusev.

The audience will have the opportunity to enjoy a romantic story of love and passion interwoven with intrigues from the Orient, with plenty of attractive scenes and exotic motifs and the participation of the entire ensemble of the National Theatre Ballet and Orchestra.

Katarina Grčić Nikolić's lavish costumes and Olga Đurđević's grandiose scenography will further enhance this fairytale ballet story that will be performed under the baton of Ana Zorana Brajović.

A century ago, in 1923, the Ballet of the National Theatre in Belgrade staged the first all-night performance of two choreographic one-act ballets - "Schéhérazade" and "Les Sylphides".

With this premiere, we begin the celebration of the hundredth anniversary of our Ballet, and this whole year will be filled with numerous events (premieres, retrospective exhibitions, educational programs and various other activities).