Juliet & Romeo

The title of Mats Ek's commission for the Royal Swedish Ballet clearly indicates his desire to be different, so it's no surprise that his 2013 version of Shakespeare's classic romantic tragedy elects not to use Prokofiev's score, instead cobbling together bits and pieces from Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony, First Piano Concerto, Capriccio Italien, Variations on a Rococo Theme, and other works. And a stripped-down rethought tale it is: gone are the swordfights, Friar Lawrence, Juliet's sleeping potion, and Romeo's suicide. The setting isn't Renaissance Verona, although some of the costumes feel vaguely period—in marked contrast here to the prevailing jeans and hoodies, as well as Segways that characters ride around on. The ambience is more reminiscent of West Side Story, with the Duke striding about ominously through a spare set, terrorizing a glum populace with his street soldiers—apparently including Romeo and his comrades—who are considered beneath wealthy families like Juliet's. The dance moves also clash, veering abruptly from angular thrusts to graceful leaps. The performance itself is excellent, with Mariko Kida a delicate Juliet, Anthony Lomuljo an eager Romeo, and the remainder of the soloists also strong. Nor can one fault the company dancers or the playing of the Royal Swedish Orchestra under Alexander Polianichko. Although unlikely to displace more faithful adaptations of the famous tale of doomed young love, this is an intriguing new take. Presented in DTS 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on the Blu-ray version), this is recommended. (F. Swietek)