Lyriki performs Raymonda tale
Agrand, epic ballet returns to the National Opera at the end of this week, following a highly successful run at the Herod Atticus Theater last summer. Based on choreography by star Russian dancer Igor Zelenski, Alexander Glazunov’s three-act «Raymonda,» opens at the Olympia Theater on Saturday featuring the National Opera’s cast. «Raymonda» belongs to the Russian ballet repertoire, and was the last work to be choreographed by the legendary Marius Petipa in the 19th century. Though a prominent work, the ballet was one of the last to be performed in the West, while subsequent choreographies were all based on the Petipa work, including that of Rudolf Nureyev back in 1964. Raymonda’s wedding is postponed as her fiance, Jean de Brienne leaves for the crusades. Following his departure, her dreams are haunted by a mystery man, who subsequently appears at a ball. At the National Opera performances, Alina Stergianou and Maria Miliopoulou will alternate as Raymonda, Giannis Dontsakis and Stratos Papanousis as Jean de Brienne, while Giorgos Varvariotis will interprert Abdul-Rakhman. They will be accompanied by the National Opera’s soloists, lead dancers and corps de ballet. Set and costume design is by Sophia Pandouvaki with lighting by Yiannis Theodoridis. ‘Raymonda’ at the National Opera’s Olympia Theater opens on Saturday. 59-61 Academias, tel 010.361.1516. Additional performances on April 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23.
