Ballet Ireland will present Scheherazade and 1001 Arabian Nights, choreographed by Morgann Runacre-Temple, as a new full-length production based on the story of 1001 Nights, of which Scheherazade, the legendary Persian queen, is the storyteller.
The Shahriyar, the Sultan of ancient Persia, is enjoying the pleasures and entertainment of his concubines and favourite wife Zobeide. His brother suggests that Zobeide is unfaithful and recommends that they pretend to go on a hunting trip. As soon as the King and his brother have departed, the male slaves are freed and there is an orgy within the harem. Zobeide chooses the handsome Golden Slave, and they fall into a passionate embrace. With the revelry in full swing, the King returns unexpectedly. Enraged at Zobeide's betrayal, he orders that all be killed. After all have perished and only Zobeide remains, the King hesitates. She begs his forgiveness, but eventually realises the futility of it all. She then stabs herself, falling at his feet.
Here, the 1910 ballet ends and Ballet Ireland takes up the tale.
Betrayed by his former wife, King Shahriyar vows to marry, love and then behead a new bride each night, never to be betrayed again. Having murdered thousands of women, he encounters the beautiful and wise Scheherazade, who pleads to tell a story before her impending execution. For 1001 nights, he postpones her execution enthralled, as he awaits her next tale of Sinbad the Sailor, The Genie of the Lamp, and The Little Hunchback, among others. Her enchanting stories bewitch him and he makes her his queen.
The ballet mostly uses the music of Rimsky-Korsakov, not specifically written for a ballet, so it sets a challenge for choreographer Morgann Runacre-Temple, who has done a beautiful job, full of imaginative touches. She doesn’t just concentrate on the principals but integrates everyone in a way that gives the evening a seamless quality.
Tickets are available from €18 students / €20 adults and discounts for groups/schools. Available from The Royal Box Office on 0818 30 000, or ticketmaster.ie
For further information please check The Royal Theatre & Event Centre website on: www.theroyal.ie
