The Maiden of Venice

We are presented with a significant new production by Carlos Acosta, which reworks a traditional narrative through his own choreographic lens. You will hear the rhythmic and melodic energy of a nineteenth-century score by Ludwig Minkus, a composer whose music is synonymous with the technical demands of classical dance. The evening is shaped by a grand, theatrical structure that allows for deep immersion into the story. Listen for the way the orchestral themes support the virtuosic movements of the title character, providing a sturdy yet emotive foundation for the drama. The visual identity of the piece is defined by Anna Fleischle’s set and costume designs, which work alongside the choreography to evoke a specific sense of place. As the performance unfolds over three hours, the pacing reflects the scale of a traditional story ballet, alternating between intimate character studies and expansive ensemble sequences that showcase the clarity of the musical phrasing.

Birmingham Royal Ballet is one of the United Kingdom’s premier touring companies, renowned for maintaining a high standard of classical technique while exploring new productions. Based in the Midlands, the company frequently brings large-scale works to regional stages across the country. For this performance, Gavin Sutherland conducts the orchestra, bringing his extensive experience in the ballet pit to the Minkus score. The title role is performed by Yu Kurihara, a dancer known for precision and expressive range. Under the artistic direction of Carlos Acosta, the ensemble continues to balance its heritage repertoire with fresh, physically demanding stagings.

This performance takes place at the Sunderland Empire in Sunderland. With a total duration of 165 minutes, the evening constitutes a substantial theatrical commitment, though the clear storytelling and melodic score make it an appropriate choice if you are attending a ballet for the first time. There is no specific dress code for this venue, so you should wear what makes you feel comfortable for a long sit. As this is a dance production, there is no singing or text to follow via surtitles, as the narrative is conveyed entirely through movement and music.