Boston Ballet’s first performance of the new season, the world premiere of “La Bayadère,” revolves around a tragic love triangle. But new dancers make this oft-repeated plot line seem fresh.
Set in India, “La Bayadère” is about a young dancer Nikiya (newly promoted principal Lia Cirio) and her secret lover Solor (newcomer Lasha Khozashvili) who are found out by the High Brahmin (Bo Busby) and the Rajah’s daughter Gamzatti (Kathleen Breen Combes), who happens to be Solor’s fiancee.
Jealous of the forbidden relationship, the High Brahmin seeks Solor’s death when he reveals to the Rajah what his future son-in-law has done. But Gamzatti overhears the news and decides to take matters into her own hands. The two women fight and Nikiya attempts to stab Gamzatti. Vowing revenge, Gamzatti hides a poisonous snake in a bouquet of flowers for Nikiya. The dancer is bitten and dies. Solor is completely distraught and gets high on opium to be with Nikiya in his dreams. When he awakes he realizes he must still marry Gamzatti, but Nikiya’s spirit shakes the palace to ruins, killing everyone and reuniting the two in death.
Many of dancers in “La Bayadère”?are newly promoted or new to the company, but you’d think they were veterans with their technique, poise and discipline. From fast footwork to the incredible concentration in the “Kingdom of Shades” dream scene, “La Bayadère” will leave you wanting more from these talented new additions.
Boston Ballet presents
‘La Bayadère’
Through Nov. 14
The Opera House
539 Washington St., Boston
MBTA: Red/Orange Line to Downtown Crossing; Green Line to Boylston
$25-$132, 617-695-6950
www.bostonballet.org
