Mikhail Glinka "Ruslan and Lyudmila" Ballet in 2 acts
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The performance has 1 intermission Running time: 2 hours 25 minutes Set within the very heart of Moscow, on the historic grounds of the Kremlin, the stage of the State Kremlin Palace is home to the renowned Kremlin Ballet Theatre. Its company unites accomplished dancers, many of whom have performed on the stage of the legendary Bolshoi Theatre and trained at the same prestigious academies that shaped generations of Russia’s greatest ballet artists. The ballet Ruslan and Lyudmila, inspired by the poem of Alexander Pushkin, transports audiences into a world of magic, heroism and adventure. Brave knights, enchanting maidens and dark sorcery come to life through vivid choreography and expressive stage storytelling, creating a rich fairy-tale spectacle where love triumphs over every trial. Libretto by Andrey Petrov, based on the poem by Alexander Pushkin and the opera by Mikhail Glinka This ballet is inspired by Pushkin’s poem and Glinka’s opera, where fairy-tale magic intertwines with reality, and history blends seamlessly with imagination, all touched by a gentle, refined irony. The graceful lightness of Pushkin’s verse gains monumental depth in the philosophical imagery of the renowned opera. “Legends of ancient times,” retold through the expressive language of classical dance, unfold before the audience: the devoted love of Ruslan and Lyudmila, her abduction by Chernomor, and the rivalry of those seeking the hand and heart of the Kievan princess — the cowardly Farlaf and the proud Ratmir, alongside the sinister sorcery of Chernomor and the mystical power of his beard. In this vivid and enchanting tale, malice, deceit, and cowardice are ultimately overcome by justice, heroic strength, and the pure, triumphant power of young love. SynopsisACT ONE Scene One In the grand hall of Prince Svetozar, festive excitement fills the air. All eagerly await the moment when Lyudmila will choose her destined suitor. Her contenders appear: the arrogant Varangian knight Farlaf and the dreamy Khazar prince Ratmir. Ratmir is pursued by Gorislava, who is deeply in love with him and begs him to abandon his ambition to win the hand of the Kievan princess. Then comes Ruslan. The rivals exchange wary glances. Lyudmila enters — her choice has long been made. The prince and his retinue celebrate the young couple. The wedding ritual begins. With honor, the bride and groom are led beneath the ceremonial canopy… Thunder. Lightning. The ominous figure of Chernomor appears. Time seems to freeze. Enchanted by his spell, Lyudmila stands motionless. The evil sorcerer vanishes, taking his captive with him. The spell breaks. Lyudmila is gone. Ruslan is in despair. Prince Svetozar vows to give his daughter’s hand to whoever brings her back. All three knights swear to fulfill this quest and depart from Kiev. Scene Two A magical forest. Naina pursues Finn with her obsessive love, but he rejects her. She swears revenge. Ruslan wanders through the forest and reaches the dwelling of the kind wizard Finn. The old man greets him warmly. In the smoke of a magical fire, Ruslan sees a vision of Lyudmila and Chernomor. Grateful, he sets off in search of the sorcerer’s castle. Meanwhile, Naina ensnares Farlaf. She promises him Lyudmila. The coward is overjoyed. Instead of glory, he receives what he truly desires — a soft bed and a table laden with food. Overcome by wine and gluttony, he falls asleep, forgetting all about Lyudmila. Scene Three Ruslan arrives at a desolate field — a valley of death that weighs heavily on the soul. Exhausted, he is tormented by doubt. Suddenly, in the moonlight, he sees a hill that comes to life — before him rises a gigantic Head. The Head transforms into an army of warriors. A fierce battle begins. The forces are unequal, yet Ruslan emerges victorious. The warriors vanish, and in place of the Head remains a magical sword. Scene Four Naina conjures her magic, luring knights into her trap. Her retinue — a swarm of grotesque old women — transforms at her gesture into enchanting maidens. Naina herself becomes a young beauty. The forest turns into a magnificent oriental palace. She awaits her victim, preparing a poisoned drink… Gorislava relentlessly follows Ratmir, but he remains unmoved. Though she is dearer to him, his pride drives him onward in search of Lyudmila. He leaves Gorislava in tears and enters Naina’s palace. Surrounded by beauty, wine, and luxury, Ratmir is quickly disarmed — his shield, sword, and helmet gone. Then appears the seductive mistress herself. Naina’s enchantment makes him forget everything. At that moment, Gorislava arrives, bringing Finn and Ruslan with her. Together, they break Naina’s spell and free Ratmir. ACT TWO Scene One Morning. Lyudmila awakens in Chernomor’s castle. Everything here feels чужим and hostile. Servants try to tempt her with exquisite delicacies. Chernomor appears. To win her love, he takes on Ruslan’s appearance. But Lyudmila senses the deception, and the illusion dissolves. Before her stands a grotesque dwarf. She cleverly entangles his magical beard. In a solemn procession, Chernomor’s servants carry the dwarf and his beard. Lyudmila is seated opposite him. A display of the sorcerer’s power unfolds. A whirlwind of dance sweeps everyone into motion. The two thrones spin in a dizzying circle. Lyudmila is nearly unconscious. With sinister laughter, the dwarf approaches his prey… A horn sounds. Ruslan has come to challenge Chernomor. The sorcerer casts a spell over Lyudmila and draws his sword. A brief yet fierce battle follows — and suddenly the dwarf carries Ruslan away into the clouds. Scene Two Ruslan returns, holding the severed beard of Chernomor. Lyudmila lies in a magical sleep, unable to recognize him. In sorrow, Ruslan carries her away. Ratmir and Gorislava come to his aid. Scene Three Naina drags the trembling Farlaf — his moment has come. Terrified, he obeys her will. Together, they follow Ruslan’s trail. Scene Four Night in the степь. Ratmir and Gorislava depart into the forest. Ruslan guards Lyudmila’s sleep, but exhaustion overtakes him. Naina and Farlaf appear. Under her command, Farlaf raises his sword against Ruslan. He strikes the sleeping knight and abducts Lyudmila. Naina rejoices. Suddenly, Finn appears. In his hands are two vessels — one with the water of death, the other with the water of life. He heals Ruslan’s wounds and restores him. Ruslan, Ratmir, and Gorislava set off for Kiev, blessed by Finn. Naina is defeated, her schemes destroyed. Scene Five Farlaf brings Lyudmila back to Kiev, but no one can awaken her from her enchanted sleep — not even her father. Prince Svetozar mourns his daughter. Suddenly, Ruslan appears. Farlaf begs for mercy. It is Ruslan’s love that awakens Lyudmila. Joy and celebration fill the halls of the prince. The people of Rus’ glorify the brave knight and the young princess — united at last. | |||||
