ACT I, SCENE I: The Rite of Fire

The fakirs are preparing for the Rite of Fire in the sacred forest. Solor, a wealthy hunter and warrior, has just returned from a success­ful tiger hunt. The Chief Fakir draws his attention to the beautiful bayadere, a temple dancer, Nikiya. The priests arrive, led by the High Brahmin. Gamzatti, the Rajah’s daughter, who is also present at the celebration, is captivated by Solor. The High Brahmin asks Nikiya to dance. Both he and Solor are overwhelmed by Nikiya’s beauty. The High Brahmin cannot suppress his desire to declare his love for Nikiya, however he is rejected by her. The Chief Fakir arranges a meeting between Solor and Nikiya. At first, she resists Solor’s advances, but finally submits to him. In front of the sacred fire, Solor vows to be faithful to her. The High Brahmin witnesses their encounter and livid with rage, he swears revenge on Solor.

ACT I, SCENE II: The Rajah’s Palace

The omnipotent Rajah is organising a wedding for his daughter Gamzatti. He bids her to choose a husband from among several rich nobles, one of whom is Solor and she chooses him. The Rajah tells Solor that it is his will and his daughter’s wish that Solor marries Gamzatti. Solor is horrified, for he has sworn eternal love to Nikiya! However defying the Rajah would mean certain death. The High Brah­min comes to the palace and tells the Rajah the truth about Solor’s re­lationship with Nikiya. The Rajah decides to kill Nikiya, for nothing will stand in the way of his daughter’s happiness. The High Brahmin has a premonition of misfortune: the Gods are certain to punish the slay­ing of a bayadere… Gamzatti sends for Nikiya, demanding her to dance at her forthcoming engagement festivities. Nikiya defends her own love for Solor and not even Gamzatti’s offer of jewels can persuade her to give up Solor. In desperation she attempts to attack Gamzatti with a dagger. At the last moment a servant intervenes and prevents the worst from happening. Gamzatti vows to destroy Nikiya.

Gamzatti and Solor’s Betrothal Celebrations

The despondent Nikiya is forced to dance at the magnificent betrothal celebrations that are being held in honour of Gamzatti and Solor. The Rajah sends for a basket of flowers which is then presented to Nikiya. A poisonous snake, which is hidden in the basket, bites her fatally. The High Brahmin tries to persuade her to take an antidote to the poison but the sight of the betrothed couple makes her refuse it and she dies.

Solor’s Sorrow

After Nikiya’s death, Solor can find no peace of mind. He seeks consolation in opium and he is constantly haunted by visions of Ni­kiya’s shadow. Gamzatti once more attempts to gain Solor’s love, but he rejects her. Gamzatti is determined to marry him despite his resistance.

The Kingdom of the Shades

In an opium dream, Solor is transported to the Kingdom of the Shades and there he is reunited with the shadow of his beloved Nikiya.

The Wedding Preparations

The dream ends. The Rajah and Gamzatti arrive and insist that the wedding take place immediately.

The Wrath of the Gods

The dance of the Bronze Idol is believed to bring happiness to the betrothed couple. At the moment when Solor and Gamzatti are saying their vows, the Gods take their revenge. A storm and an earthquake destroy the temple and all those responsible for Nikiya’s death die in the rubble.

Epilogue

Solor’s spirit follows Nikiya’s shadow to the Heaven.

Dubai Opera is the ideal venue to celebrate elegance and style. Kindly avoid overly casual or provocative attire, such as shorts or flip flops, to uphold our venue standards. Guests not complying with the dress code will not be permitted entry.

6+ years would require a ticket to enter the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.

Below 6+ years are not permitted into the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.

LUDWIG MINKUS / JOHN LANCHBERY

LA BAYADÈRE

Classical ballet in two acts

Music: Ludwig Minkus

Musical arrangement: John Lanchbery

Conductor: Robert Kružík

Libretto: Sergej Chuděkov, Marius Petipa, Jaroslav Slavický

Choreography and Stage Direction: Jaroslav Slavický  (after the original choreography by M. Petipa)

Set Designer: Marek Hollý

Costume Designer: Josef Jelínek

Ballet Masters: Jana Přibylová, Ivan Příkaský, Jana Ruggieri

Stage Manager: Luděk Mrkos

Cast

Nikiya: Fumi Kaneko, Chanell Cabrera

Solor: Vadim Muntagirov, Adrian Sánchez

Gamzatti: Sehyun An, Klaudie Lakomá

The High Brahmin: Ilya Mironov

Rajah: Ivan Příkaský

Fakir: Arthur Abram, Shoma Ogasawara

The Bronze Idol: Shoma Ogasawara, Joao Gomes, Rin Isomura

The Shades – Trio: Anna Yeh, Momona Sakakibara, Gloria Benaglia / Nanaka Ogawa, Sarah Dadonova, Petra Večeřová

Pas de quatre: Beatriz Fernandez, Antoneta Turk, Gloria Benaglia, Anna Yeh, Nanaka Ogawa, Sarah Dadonova / Petra Večeřová, Emilia Vuorio, Momona Sakakibara, Kamila Sizinceva

Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes including intermission

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