Francesco Ventriglia's Reimagined Romeo and Juliet Premieres in Alberta
Alberta Ballet is set to unveil a stunning new production of Romeo and Juliet, choreographed by artistic director Francesco Ventriglia, which the company is proudly calling a Canadian premiere. While Ventriglia previously staged a version of Shakespeare's tragic romance in 2017 with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, he has extensively reworked the ballet for its debut at the Jubilee Auditorium on February 12, 2026, tailoring it specifically to Alberta Ballet's ensemble of dancers.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Tale
Ventriglia emphasizes that this production should be regarded as a world premiere, given the significant changes he has implemented. "It's an amazing opportunity to go back to a creation years later," says Ventriglia. "Of course, here we are in 2026. I'm a different man, a different artist. I've learned so much, I've done so much since then. We took back this ballet and I'm tweaking, readjusting and re-choreographing the majority of it, mostly for the principals, for Romeo and Juliet."
He notes that approximately 90 percent of the production is new, with the process involving close collaboration with the dancers to ensure every element is customized for their talents. "It's an amazing opportunity because I've tailored every little thing for my dancers and with my dancers," Ventriglia adds. "The process has been really beautiful."
Key Elements and Inspirations
Despite the extensive revisions, certain aspects from the New Zealand production have been retained. The ballet remains grounded in Sergei Prokofiev's iconic 1935 score, which Ventriglia describes as "the driving force" behind his interpretation. Additionally, the elaborate costume designs by Academy Award-winning designer James Acheson, known for films like Dangerous Liaisons and The Last Emperor, have been preserved.
However, audiences can expect new sets by Italo Grassi and fresh performances from Alberta Ballet's dancers. The cast includes Remy Gray and Aaron Anker as Romeo, with Luna Sasaki and Alexandra Anker-Hughes portraying Juliet. Former principal dancers Kelley McKinlay and Mariko Kondo return as guest artists, taking on the roles of the Capulet parents.
Artistic Influences and Personal Connection
Ventriglia's connection to Romeo and Juliet dates back to his high school studies of the play. As a dancer in Milan, he performed in productions based on Prokofiev's score, choreographed by legends such as Kenneth MacMillan and Rudolf Nureyev. His current interpretation draws heavily from Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 film adaptation, which he praises for its faithfulness to Shakespeare's original text and its artistic costumes by Danilo Donati.
"It's an iconic, beautiful movie," Ventriglia remarks. "The costumes of Danilo Donati were a piece of art, and it's so respectful of Shakespeare's script and tragedy. I had a lot of inspiration. I read Romeo and Juliet again. It was beautiful to dive into all that again."
This production promises to blend timeless themes of love, death, and passion with innovative choreography, offering Alberta audiences a unique and emotionally resonant experience. With its combination of Prokofiev's powerful music, Acheson's award-winning designs, and Ventriglia's visionary direction, the ballet is poised to captivate theatergoers and highlight the artistic prowess of Alberta Ballet.
