Adapted from Alexandre Dumas’ French novel of the same name (1848), Val Caniparoli’s Lady of the Camellias, a powerful tale of forbidden love between renowned Parisian courtesan Marguerite Gautier and provincial bourgeois Armand Duval, finally makes its Asian première this November!
One of the greatest love stories of all time, the literary gem has sparked Verdi’s opera, La Traviata, and films such as Baz Lurhmann’s blockbuster Moulin Rouge (2001) and George Cukor’s Camille (1936) starring Greta Garbo, which Caniparoli turned to for inspiration.
Lady of the Camellias is a deeply romantic and tragic story of self-sacrifice and class divides. High drama ensues at a soiree at the height of the Parissocial season when Armand, forced by his father to renounce his love to safeguard the family’s honor, angrily confronts a seemingly indifferent Marguerite with her escort, Baron de Varville, who then challenges him to a duel.
Performed to critical acclaim by companies like the Boston Ballet and San Francisco Ballet since its début in 1994, Caniparoli’s inspirational choreography is showcased in the lovers’ rapturous pas de deux and is perfectly complemented by Chopin’s romantic music. Accompanying some of the most passionate scenes are lilting piano solos and soulful vocal performances by a trio of guest pianist and vocalists, alongside Hong Kong Sinfonietta.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Autograph Sessions
Principal Dancer Yao Jin will celebrate her upcoming 20th anniversary as a professional ballet dancer next year. Lady of the Camellias is an homage to her fascinating career as well as a showcase of her artistic excellence. Come experience her deep passion and flirtatious charm on stage! There will be autograph sessions with Yao Jin and Lucas Jerkander after the performances on 5 Nov (Sat), 7:30pm and 12 Nov (Sat), 2:30pm!
