Raymonda

For many years, most ballet companies worldwide only ventured to present the third act of the nineteenth-century Raymonda, which revolves around the wedding festivities. The complete production was avoided, due to a rather stigmatising plot. That is a shame, as from a choreographic point of view, Raymonda is probably Petipa’s best work. Beaujean says, “In Raymonda, he was able to incorporate and perfect all the knowledge and experience he’d gained previously in ballets like The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake.”

Overhauling the libretto

So Beaujean decided to overhaul the libretto and, partly inspired by series like Game of Thrones and Bridgerton, to adapt the storyline so that today’s audiences can relate to it. In her production, therefore, the young Hungarian grand duchess Raymonda does not simply do as she’s told and marry the vain crusader Jean de Brienne. Instead, she is a young, independent woman who, attracted to the mysterious Abd al-Rahman, makes her own decisions on the path of love.

Spectacular sample sheet

Choreographically speaking, Raymonda is a spectacular sample sheet of classical ballet technique. Beaujean says, “The many ballerina variations, the dream scene and the Pas d’Action; they’re all incredibly beautiful.” The lively character dances staged by Grigori Tchitcherine, the stylish sets and chic, colourful costumes by the French designer Jérôme Kaplan, and the wonderful music by Alexander Glazunov are also very good reasons not to miss the performances of Raymonda this Christmas!