The 17th edition of VeneziainDanza 2025, under the artistic direction of Michela Barasciutti, continues at the Teatro Malibran with a highlight of the season: the Balletto di Roma presenting Romeo and Juliet on Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7.
Choreographed and directed by Fabrizio Monteverde, this celebrated production—set to Sergei Prokofiev’s powerful score—has been performed for more than two decades, establishing itself as one of the most enduring works in the company’s repertoire. With over 350 performances and 200,000 spectators, it is recognized as the most acclaimed Italian dance production of all time.
In Monteverde’s vision, Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy is reimagined in post-World War II Italy, a world marked by immobility, provincialism, and restlessness. Here, Juliet—portrayed by Fiamma Balzano—emerges as both protagonist and victim of a youthful rebellion against an imposed destiny, while Paolo Barbonaglia’s Romeo embodies silent passion and the dream of innocent love. The surrounding families, the Capulets and Montagues, become obsessive forces that intensify the inevitability of hatred and revenge.
The evocative production is enriched by Eve Kohler’s costumes, Fabrizio Monteverde’s set design, and Emanuele De Maria’s lighting, crafting a poignant atmosphere that underscores the drama’s tragic beauty.
Founded in 1960, the Balletto di Roma has long been a symbol of Italian dance excellence, combining tradition with innovation and nurturing new generations of dancers. Monteverde, one of Italy’s most celebrated choreographers, has left a profound mark on the company, creating landmark works including Cinderella, Othello, and Swan Lake, or The Song.
With Romeo and Juliet, VeneziainDanza offers audiences a masterpiece where love, conflict, and destiny converge in unforgettable dance theatre.
Website: www.teatrolafenice.it
Location: Malibran Theater, Venice
Schedule: December 6 – 7, 2025
