February Playbill
The Mikhailovsky Theatre, the centre of Petersburg’s cultural life, is a special place with a unique atmosphere and long-standing traditions. The February playbill emphasises its status as a unique artistic space, a venue where for classics have gone hand in hand with experiments two centuries, and great masterpieces of the past are brought to life through the talent of modern masters.
The second month of winter at the Mikhailovsky Theatre is filled with events. The most intriguing premiere of February is the opera «The Lady of the Camellias» to the music of Giuseppe Verdi. The first original production by Vladimir Kekhman in the role of director opens a new chapter in the history of interpretations of the famous story. The mysterious and dramatic fate of a Russian ballerina unfolds in the first half of the 20th century — an era of great upheavals and great art. The scenography and costumes are designed by people’s artist of Russia Vyacheslav Okunev, with choreography by Alexander Omar
The debut work of this young and talented choreographer on the Mikhailovsky Theatre stage — the ballet «The Bright Stream» to the music of Dmitry Shostakovich — can be seen twice in February. This dazzling ballet premiere of the season not only won audiences over with its good-natured humour and inventive choreography, but was also a historic event: one of the main ballet scores of the 20th century returned to the repertoire.
Other ballet performances for the month are the exquisite «Giselle», which will delight true connoisseurs. The fairytale «Humpbacked Horse» and «Cinderella» are ideal for family visits to the theatre. And everyone will be captivated by the legendary «Spartacus» with its whirlwind of dance energy and seething passions, even if they are new to the world of classical ballet.
Viewers can also look forward to a magnificent series of productions by Nacho Duate, «La Bayadere» and "«Hidalgo of La Mancha», «Sleeping Beauty» and «Swan Lake» — something to suit every taste.
Bizet’s «Carmen» was Duate’s first attempt at opera, and broke all the stereotypes about how Spain should be represented on stage. Duate’s Seville does not resemble anything Russian audiences have seen before, just as his Carmen does not resemble other operatic gypsies.
Another essential work for music fans on the February playbill is «Aida», Verdi’s immortal opera about the conflict of love and power. The graphic, austere and stylish production of the Mikhailovsky Theatre is distinguished by its musical refinement and features performances by opera stars.
The dazzling «Die Fledermaus» by Johann Strauss in the production by Yulia Prokhorova and colourful design by the artists Nikolai Slobodyanik and Anna Efremova is also a highlight of February.
The triumphant visiting performances by the Moscow Art Theatre at the Mikhailovsky Theatre this winter will feature the Petersburg premiere of «Unexpected and Unsurmised». The production based on the work by Valentin Rasputin will feature renowned Moscow actors of the theatre and the cinema. The play is directed by Galina Polishchuk.
Tickets are already on sale on our website and in our mobile application. So you can already start planning your theatre visits for February right now!
