Laurencia

Mikhailovsky Theatre, Saint Petersburg, Russia

All photos (1)

Select date and time

7 PM

Request for Tickets

Important Info

Type: Ballet

City: Saint Petersburg, Russia

Starts at: 19:00

Acts: 2

Intervals: 1

Duration: 1h 50min

Ticket delivery: E-Tickets

E-tickets: Print at home or at the box office of the event if so specified. You will find more information in your booking confirmation email.

Can I choose my seats?

You can only select the category, and not the exact seats.
If you order 2 or 3 tickets: your seats will be next to each other.
If you order 4 or more tickets: your seats will be next to each other, or, if this is not possible, we will provide a combination of groups of seats (at least in pairs, for example 2+2 or 2+3).

Cast

Performers

Ballet company: Mikhailovsky Ballet

Orchestra: Mikhailovsky Theatre Orchestra

Creators

Composer: Alexander Krein

Choreographer: Vakhtang Chabukiani

Overview

“Laurencia” is an extraordinarily spectacular performance, in which the emotional intensity and speed of the action are conveyed by a bright dance language.

Stage version after Lope de Vega’s play Fuente Ovejuna
Music revised for the Mikhailovsky Theatre

Classical steps in “Laurencia” are combined with fiery Spanish rhythms. Virtuoso solos and duets, harmonious ensembles, exciting crowd scenes help unfold a dramatic story based on the play by the Spanish playwright Lope de Vega “The Sheep Spring”.

History

Premiere of this production: 22 March 1939, Kirov Opera and Ballet Theatre (Mariinsky Theatre), Saint Petersburg, Russia

Laurencia is a ballet created by Vakhtang Chabukiani to music by Alexander Krein, based on Lope de Vega's Fuenteovejuna. Created at a time when "choreodrama" was considered in the Soviet Union the only acceptable form of contemporary ballet, it harks back to a genuine drama, wherein movement was a vehicle for meaning, and dance could serve as divertissement as well as dramatic purpose. At the same time, the story of a peasant revolution was obviously the ideal subject for a Soviet ballet. Vakhtang Chabukiani was one of the first to create a new choreographic language by means of his own particular blend of folk dance and classical dance. He asserted once and for all the importance of male dance, furthering in particular the notion of "heroic" male dance.

Synopsis

Act I

Scene 1

In Fuente Ovejuna, a village in Spain, a holiday crowd has gathered on the main square. Locals dance, while waiting for the return of their Commander from the battle. Youngsters are teasing Laurencia and Frondoso, who is in love with her. Laurencia teases Frondoso herself. Mengo, the violin player, enters and Laurencia’s friend, Pascuala, asks him to play the violin. Young people dance again. Military music is heard from afar. The Commander enters and the villagers salute him obediently, but he does not respond to their greetings. The charming Laurencia has caught his attention. The Commander courts the girl, but she responds with indifference. He loses his temper and, furious, leaves the village with his soldiers.

Scene 2

Bank of the river. Frondoso reveals his feelings to Laurencia, but the girl does not give him a clear answer. The sound of a trumpet can be heard. This is the hunting party of the Commander. He enters and tries to abduct Laurencia, but Frondoso defends the girl bravely from her loathed admirer. The Commander swears to seek revenge on them both. Village girls, more interested in chatting and dance than their work, take laundry to the river. Here comes the merry violin player Mengo, too. The girls meet him with joy. After their work is done, the girls return to the village, but Jacinta is kept behind with her laundry. Suddenly the Commander’s soldiers appear and attack her. Mengo defends the girl from the soldiers fearlessly. When the Commander enters, he orders his men to arrest Mengo and punish him. Jacinta is given into the hands of the soldiers. Laurencia is certain of Frondoso’s bravery, love and devotion now, and gives him her consent to marry.

Act II

Scene 3

The whole village celebrates the wedding of Laurencia and Frondoso. Merry dances succeed one another to everyone’s delight, but the festivities halt abruptly when the fierce Commander enters the square. He is here to exercise his power, ordering the soldiers to put Frondoso in prison and to take Laurencia to his castle. The fury of the villagers is overwhelming.

Scene 4

The men of the village gather in a forest. They know that it is necessary to fight against the tyranny of the Commander, but are too afraid of him. They stand, lost in fear and despair, and only curse the tyrant. A tormented Laurencia enters. Her heart is burning with feelings of rightful vengeance. She shames the village men for their fear and calls for rebellion. Her passionate voice wins over the locals. Even the village women are ready to fight together with her. People armed with knives, sickles and spears, rush to the castle of the Commander.

Scene 5

Villagers break into the Commander’s castle. They free Frondoso and kill the tyrant. The people celebrate their victory.

Venue Info

Mikhailovsky Theatre - Saint Petersburg
1 Arts Square

Located in the historic center of Saint Petersburg, just steps from Nevsky Prospekt and the Arts Square, the Mikhailovsky Theatre is one of Russia’s most elegant and vibrant venues for opera and ballet. Founded in 1833, the theatre has long been an important part of the city’s rich cultural landscape, offering audiences a refined blend of classical tradition and innovative performance.

The theatre’s architecture reflects the grace of the imperial era. Its beautifully restored auditorium, adorned with gold accents, crimson velvet, and crystal chandeliers, creates an atmosphere of intimacy and aristocratic charm. Despite its historic appearance, the Mikhailovsky Theatre is equipped with modern stage technology, allowing it to present visually impressive productions while preserving its classical elegance.

Today, the theatre is known for its ambitious repertoire that spans beloved masterpieces of opera and ballet. Works by composers such as Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Puccini, and Mussorgsky share the stage with contemporary productions and new interpretations of classical works. The ballet company, admired for its expressive style and strong technique, performs iconic titles including Swan Lake, Giselle, and The Nutcracker, alongside modern choreographic creations.

The Mikhailovsky Theatre regularly welcomes internationally renowned singers, dancers, and conductors, while also nurturing a talented ensemble of resident artists. This combination of global artistry and local tradition creates performances that are both polished and emotionally compelling.

Elegant, historic, and artistically dynamic, the Mikhailovsky Theatre offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Russian opera and ballet.

Important Info

Type: Ballet

City: Saint Petersburg, Russia

Starts at: 19:00

Acts: 2

Intervals: 1

Duration: 1h 50min

Pushkin’s Tales

Mariinsky Theatre - Saint Petersburg

6 Jun 2025, Fri, 7 PM

Ariadne auf Naxos