ROMEO AND JULIET
The most noteworthy production of this classic Shakespeare play was commissioned in 1934 for the Bolshoi Theatre, with a score by Prokofiev.
Act I sees Romeo being caught up in a street brawl, whilst Juliet is playing with her nurse. After meeting, the pair fall in love and Romeo woos Juliet in the famous balcony scene.
Act II has the couple marrying in secret, since the Montagues and Capuet families are sworn enemies. To avenge the death of his friend Mercutio, Romeo kills Juliet's cousin, Tybalt and is banished.
In Act III Juliet drinks a potion to make her appear lifeless in an attempt to escape her forced marriage. However, Romeo does not receive the letter she sends him, explaining her plan and he believes her to have died. He takes his own life and on waking Juliet, finds Romeo dead and kills herself.
