On the phone with Konstantin Uralsky

Ahead of his production's performances at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre, Konstantin Uralsky spoke to Marketing Manager Richard Loftus about the Bolshoi Ballet and the two stunning ballets he has directed, The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet. Konstantin Uralsky was with the Bolshoi Ballet for a decade, beginning in 1978, and toured world-wide with the company in shows such as Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Ivan the Terrible, Much Ado About Nothing, Macbeth, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle and Spartacus. Uralsky has been creating ballets for more than twenty years. He is a classic Russian artist and his work is a phenomenon in Russian national culture, renowned for its creative expression. A number of ballet productions choreographed by Uralsky are exceptional in their depth of philosophical conceptual thinking and valuable creative discoveries in the field of music and choreographic drama. The Nutcracker transforms the classical ballet into a fairy-tale, with a timeless score from incredible composer Tchaikovsky. This certified Russian classic, replete with evocative music and beautiful dance, has captured the imagination of many generations over the years and continues to attract audiences worldwide. Romeo and Juliet is probably the world’s best known love story. William Shakespeare’s story of Romeo and Juliet was one of the first works of literature to inspire ballet choreographers, so perfectly suited to dance are its drama, romance and tragedy. Set to one of Prokofiev’s most evocative scores, this production is filled with beautiful dance, riveting battles, and compelling drama, all amidst stunning production designs. The Russian State Ballet and Opera House will present The Nutcracker on Monday 4 November and Romeo and Juliet on Tuesday 5 November.