Spartacus. Moscow Classical Ballet Theater

Ballet in two acts, eleven scenes.
Staging and choreography: N.Kasatkina, V.Vasilev
Libretto: based on historical materials, the novel by R.Giovagnoli and fantasies of Natalia Kasatkina and Vladimir Vasilev
Stage design: Honourable artist of Russia, laureate of USSR State Prizes S.Sumbatashvili
Costumes: E.Dvorkina
Acrobatic skits: Vice-President of Free Fight Federation, Vice-President of Russian Fighting Federation General-Mayor Knight Alexander Malyshev
Spartacus opening night performance was shown in 2002.
The ballet’s libretto and choreography are based on the heroic story of the slaves rebellion leader. Spartacus by Kasatkina and Vasilev is a modern classical ballet. The directors would like to show the style, mood, tragical and sensual (even erotical) atmosphere of the twilight of the Roman Republic.
“The only innocent creature of the performance was the dog”, wrote one of the critics about the premiere in 2002. Critics went into a frenzy with their reviews as well as the audience that roared into applause at the end of the performance.
Spartacus by Kasatkina and Vasilev is the most beautiful scandal of the beginning of the century in the world of ballet. 300 luxurious costumes by Elizaveta Dvorkina, 6 tons of unique theatrical decorations created by Joseph Sumbatashvili (it takes 8 hours to assemble all the pieces into a full setting), stage arms produced at the famous jewelry factory –everything was created to demonstrate a sensual and passionate style of the epoch of the fall of the Roman Empire.
The body makes people prone to passion, passion is linked to freedom; love scenes are followed by fights, and when vigorous and happy Spartacus storms onto the stage you cannot but believe that he is the winner of all fights and all women fall prey to his charm and all he needs is just freedom, which means that he is doomed.
The artists were taught Roman fighting techniques by the professional stuntman Alexander Malyshev. But who taught the artists that performed the Dance of the Gaditan Maidens? If you haven\t seen see their dance, you have no idea about erotology, in contrast, to ancient Romans who were experts in the field. Maybe this is the reason why they lost touch with their morality after all.
All this world of passion is accompanied by Aram Khachaturyan’s outstanding music. It is the first time that the choreographers included some musical pieces which were not used in Spartacus before. Music scores with these pieces were provided to Natalia Kasatkina and Vladimir Vasilev by the composer’s descendants. As a result, the ballet turned out to be a bright and exciting performance created in accordance with Roman traditions.