Romeo and Juliet: Challenging Romeo
Katherine Barkman makes her debut as Juliet opposite Rudy De Dios in Ballet Manila’s full-length production in 2015. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
Lemuel Capa and Mylene Aggabao take on the lead roles in 2007. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
The only child of Lord and Lady Montague, Romeo of Romeo and Juliet fame has come to embody the definition of an ideal lover – handsome, romantic, and ready to fight for his love even if it means giving up his life for it.
There is one detail often overlooked in the retelling of the ballet version of Romeo that plays a major role in the development of his character in William Shakespeare’s tale. When Romeo and his friends crashed the party at the home of the Capulets, his intention was to see Juliet’s cousin, Rosaline, whom he described as: “The all-seeing sun / ne’er saw her match since first the world began.” Apparently, Romeo was not as steadfast with his love as the world thought.
It is this bit of detail that makes the role very difficult to portray. It leaves the door open for parents to dismiss the supposed eternal love between Romeo and Juliet to the impulsiveness of youth. It complicates role that is already inherently difficult for most danseurs.
In 2004, Osias Barroso was Romeo to Lisa Macuja-Elizalde’s Juliet. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
Konstantin Sergeyev, however, was more than worthy of the challenge. And challenging it truly was, given the drama that unfolded in the creation of the first full-length Romeo and Juliet ballet. At some point, Sergeyev’s partner, Galina Ulanova, refused to perform the piece . The production was shelved many times. When it finally premiered in 1940, Romeo and Juliet was lauded internationally and became a recipient of the Stalin Prize.
A film version of that production was made in 1955 with Yuri Zhdanov replacing Sergeyev in the title role. It won Best Lyrical Film and also picked up a nomination for the Palm d’Or in the Cannes Film Festival.
Since then, Romeo became a much sought-after role among danseurs. Rudolf Nureyev tackled the role in 1965 for the world premiere of Kenneth MacMillan’s choreography for The Royal Ballet. Robert La Fosse took on the role when the American Ballet Theatre performed the same version in 1985.
Twelve years later, Nureyev would revisit the role – both as a dancer and as a choreographer – with his own version of Romeo and Juliet. The piece was created to celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. It would become a staple for the English National Ballet.
Abigail Oliveiro and Brian Williamson dance as the ill-fated lovers in 2015. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
For Ballet Manila, co-artistic director Osias “Shaz” Barroso remains the gold standard for the role of Romeo. BM’s very own Romeo and Juliet was the interpretation of the Shakespeare classic by no less than People’s Artist of Russia Sergey Vikulov. The lead roles were choreographed specifically for Shaz and prima ballerina Lisa Macuja-Elizalde. It premiered in 2001 and has been a staple in the company’s repertoire.
Since then, other BM dancers have had the opportunity to perform the role including Rudy De Dios and Lemuel Capa.
In 2015, Paul Vasterling brought to the Philippines his version of Romeo and Juliet that premiered in Nashville in 2004. Dancing as Romeo were Rudy De Dios, Brian Williamson, and principal dancer Elpidio Magat.
