Singapore Dance Theatre’s production of Romeo and Juliet kicks off the 2014 season

Experience the legendary tale of love and passion as Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT) presents Romeo and Juliet, choreographed by Singaporean master craftsman in dance, Goh Choo San. From 13 to 16 March, Singapore Dance Theatre will revive this breath-taking romantic ballet at the Esplanade Theatre.

Choreographer Goh Choo San’s moving interpretation of this romantic tragedy is in three acts.  The ballet was inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless classic tale of two lovers from two feuding families, brought together by fate.

The ballet, set in Verona tells the story of the Capulets and the Montagues who are sworn enemies. Romeo, the only son of the Montagues tricks his way into the Capulet Family’s masked ball and meets the beautiful Juliet. Brought together by Fate, they fall deeply in love. As the evening draws to a close, Juliet finds out that their families are sworn enemies. Later that night, Romeo sneaks into the Capulet’s orchard and visits Juliet outside her balcony. They exchange vows of love and make plans to marry in secret. Will the star-crossed lovers overcome all odds to be together? Or will destiny bring them to a tragic end…

Although the Bard’s words will be silent, the enduring story of the beloved star-crossed lovers, will be told through dance, set to the powerful score by Russian composer composer Sergei Prokofiev.

The Artistic Director, Janek Schergen, commented, ‘For a dancer to experience Romeo and Juliet as a ballet, it is a tremendous experience combining the essence of dance in dramatic storytelling and choreography. There is a unique pleasure in portraying real personalities as opposed to the fairy tales of 19th Century ballet, or the cool neoclassicism of 20th Century works. Romeo and Juliet as a story is timeless, and the spectacle of Choo San Goh’s choreography brings it to life in a way that is deeply memorable and tremendously poignant.’

SDT Artistic Director Janek Schergen, stages this production of the ballet with gorgeous costumes and scenic designs by Peter Cazalet. Goh Choo San’s Romeo and Juliet premiered in 1984 at The Boston Ballet and was first presented by SDT in 2000 and returned again in 2011.

Catch Romeo and Juliet at the Esplanade Theatre from 13 – 16 March 2014. For more information, please visit SISTIC here and the Singapore Dance Theatre website here.


Nithia is a freelance marketing communications professional, copywriter and editor. She is passionate about supporting the arts in Singapore and getting more people fired up about local productions and the arts scene. passions are cookery, cinema and travel.