The Royal Swedish Ballet has landed in Madrid with a proposal that challenges tradition. Their work Juliet and Romeo, presented from May 7 to 10, reverses the classic order of the names to place the female protagonist in an active role. Created by Mats Ek for the company's 240th anniversary in 2013, this choreography breaks with the stereotypes of the Shakespearean classic and offers a contemporary look at the conflict of the Verona lovers.
How Mats Ek Reprograms the Body and Stage Space 🩰
Mats Ek's proposal is not limited to a simple title change. The choreographer applies a deconstruction of classical ballet language, replacing perfect arabesques with twisted movements and controlled falls. The minimalist set design and the use of light as a narrative element reinforce the psychology of the characters. Ek transfers the dramatic tension to the bodily dynamics, where every gesture tells a story of power and submission. The result is a visual score that demands rigorous technical control from the dancer to execute what appears to be spontaneous choreography.
Romeo, the New Luxury Supporting Character in Verona 😅
If Shakespeare were to raise his head, he would ask for a royalty increase for seeing his hero reduced to a sidekick. In this version, Romeo goes from climbing balconies to crawling on the floor while Juliet takes the reins. The Madrid audience, accustomed to seeing Swarovski princes, encounters a suitor who seems to have forgotten the manual of the good lover. In the end, one leaves the theater wondering if the true drama is not the impossible love, but having to share the spotlight with your partner.