show category: ballet

A perfomance presented at Opera Aperta Festival 2021, supported by the City Hall and the Local Council of Cluj-Napoca and Visit Cluj

Ballet in two acts on a libretto by Lorca Massine, based on Nikos Kazantzakis’ novel Zorba the Greek

Recommended Age: 5+

The myth of Zorba the Greek – a representative of the modern, nonconformist man who constantly yearns for freedom and independence – has been presented, throughout the years, in various ways. First materialized in the novel of the Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis, followed by Michael Cacoyannis’ screen adaptation, the story of John – the American Tourist who arrives in Greece, willing to get to know the local costumes and to integrate in the new environment, has been ,,told” also by ballet foot-steps, in 1988. The ballet created by Lorca Massine featuring music by the famed Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis was presented in world premiere at Arena di Verona, subsequently at the Great Theatre of Warsaw (1901), and was played afterwards on stages from the entire world, its lyricism given by the true, but impossible love between John and the local young Marina and the lively attitude of Zorba – who, rather from the need to defy the fate, decides to help John – conquering millions of hearts around the globe.

A story about the bitter reality of life and death and the trust that small joys will always be present is being retold on our stage by the soloists and the ballet ensemble of the Romanian National Opera in Cluj-Napoca, wearing the signature of the american choreographer Lorca Massine. We are waiting for you to discover it!

The performance has one break and ends around 11.00 p.m.