Kremlin Ballet Theatre to Bring Esmeralda
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
The Kremlin Ballet Theatre from Russia is presenting the passionate love story of ``Esmeralda'' from Oct. 8 to 10.
The National Theater of Korea (NTOK) has invited the Russian troupe as part of the International Festival of National Theaters, which is being held through Nov. 4. It will be the first time for local fans to watch the fiery performance by the troupe on stage.
``Esmeralda'' is based on the famous novel ``Notre Dame de Paris'' by Victor Hugo. It features the tragic love story of the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda, and her life within a world of hatred, love and justice.
The most famous ballet version of the story was choreographed by Marius Petipa, but Kremlin's art director Adrei Petrov managed to mix up the famous scenes with a bit of a modern touch.
``Hugo brings a romantic sentiment related to love and humans. But he manages to go further than simply expressing them, and talks about the conflict in law and the society. (Petrov's) `Esmeralda' is not a fancy ballet about a simple love story, but something that brings the conflict of social life and human emotions,'' said the NTOK.
Each character holds an importance in the overall production, and instead of having a group of dancers performing the corps de ballet, they also offer a story of their own. The dances are distinctive depending on each character, but they all have a certain connection and add intensity to the whole work.
The ballet ``Esmeralda'' follows the basic storyline of the original novel ``Notre Dame de Paris.'' Esmeralda is a young and beautiful gypsy who touches the heart of many men, including the hunchback bell ringer Quasimodo, his adopted father Claude Frollo and Phoebus, the captain of the King's archers.
Things get complicated as the three men get entangled in a complicated emotional attachment with the gypsy girl, and Esmeralda slowly falls in love with Phoebus, who already has a fiance, Fleur de Lys.
Knowing her affection toward Phoebus, Frollo steals her dagger and frames Esmeralda as a suspect for an attempted murder of the captain, and the gypsy is then sentenced to death by hanging.
Quasimodo struggles to save her and takes her to the cathedral for sanctuary, but the angry Frollo brings her back for execution, where she finally meets her fate. The heartbroken Quasimodo pushes his stepfather from the church for killing the love of his life, and he too dies next to Esmeralda's grave.
One of the most famous scenes is the ``Diane and Acteon Pas de Deux,'' which is featured during scene 4 of Act 2 where the heartbroken Fleur de Lys watches a classic ballet performance after learning of her fiance's feelings toward Esmeralda.
The repertory is famous as a pas de deux itself, appearing at various competitions and galas by ballet companies all around the world.
The character of Esmeralda will be played by Kristina Krokova, one of the most inspiring ballerinas in Russia, while Aydar Shaydullin and Olga Zubkova will appear as Phoebus and his fiance Fleur de Lys, respectively.
Tickets cost from 40,000 to 200,000 won. For more information, visit www.ntok.go.kr or call (02) 2280-4115.