What is happening at the Mariinsky?

Author: Rebecca Liao
Comments: <a href="https://thealephmag.com/2011/04/18/no-transparency-behind-a-red-wall/#respond">Leave a comment
Categories: Art

April 18, 2011 § Leave a comment

Uliana Lopatkina, Prima Ballerina of the Mariinsky Ballet in Russia, was set to debut as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet on April 21 at the Mariinsky’s Eleventh Annual International Ballet Festival in St. Petersburg. Last week, we learned that she had pulled out of this long-anticipated performance and would be replaced by first soloist Olesya Novikova. Given how frequently and publicly Lopatkina has voiced her desire to dance Juliet, this was a bizarre turn of events. Even more bizarre was the lack of explanation behind the casting change. Here was my attempt to get some answers:

@mariinskyen Will be get to see Uliana Lopatkina as Juliet in the future?

— Rebecca Liao (@beccaliao) April 18, 2011

@beccaliao Perhaps.

— Mariinsky Theatre (@mariinskyen) April 18, 2011

@mariinskyen Why was the casting change made?

— Rebecca Liao (@beccaliao) April 18, 2011

@beccaliao Multiple reasons. In brief, Ulyana and partner of her choice didn't feel quite prepared to the level they thought they should be.

— Mariinsky Theatre (@mariinskyen) April 18, 2011

Tagged: Ballerina, International Ballet Festival, Juliet, Lopatkina, Mariinsky, Mariinsky Ballet, Novikova, Olesya Novikova, Prima Ballerina, Romeo and Juliet, Russia, St. Petersburg, Uliana Lopatkina, XI International Ballet Festival

The Aleph Mag