Ballet Evening: Scheherazada

SCHEHERAZADE

One act ballet on music of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Libretto by A. Benois
based on the prologue of «The Thousand and One Nights»
«The story of King Shahryar and his brother»
Choreography by M. Fokine
Reconstruction by Toni Candeloro
At the Abay Opera House, the premiere took place on 25.05.2013

Characters

• Zobeide
• Shahryar, the King
• Zeman, brother of Shahryar
• Zobeide’s slave
• Chief Eunuch
• Eunuchs, odalisques, dancers, musicians, soldiers, slaves

PRODUCTION TEAM
Stage Conductor – Arman Urazgaliyev
Choreographer – Toni Candeloro (Italy)
Costumes and scenery designed by L. Bakst restored by Toni Candeloro, Daniele Amenta

Act One

The new production of the ballet “Scheherazade” in our theater is an evidence of understanding of current trends in choreography, which Diaghilev demonstrated to professional and amateur classical ballet lovers with his «Russian Seasons» («Ballets Russes») in Europe. From 1909 to 1929 these ballets symbolized an avant-garde movement in the twentieth century culture.
The art of Russian ballet unified music, poetry and painting together with dance, which for the first time in the history of choreography plays a fundamental role in the cultural and stylistic changes of the new century.

Paris was amazed with scenic ideas of Leon Bakst. His oriental motifs greatly affected women’s fashion and interior decoration of houses. Russian art literally mesmerized Europe.
Dancers were no longer tied to specific technical variations and mimic expressions as in the 19th century. The new genius of choreography, Mikhail Fokine, created choreographic dramas where the performer unites acting technique and style to fully reveal the character.

Thus appeared the great artists whom Diaghilev brought to Paris: Nijinsky, Pavlova, Karsavina, Ida Rubinstein, as well as stage designers Alexandre Benois and Leon Bakst, and composers from Rimsky-Korsakov to Igor Stravinsky. Each of them contributed to profound cultural changes that remain relevant today.
This version of «Scheherazade» at the Abay Opera House was staged by Toni Candeloro, who personally worked with representatives of the last generation of Russian ballet.
The performance introduces the audience to one of the most significant works of choreographer Mikhail Fokine.

Synopsis
The harem of Shah Shahryar. Shahryar, King of India and China, is angered by his brother Zeman, who claims that the king’s wives are unfaithful. To test them, Shahryar leaves on a hunting expedition.
Soon after, the wives adorn themselves and bribe the Chief Eunuch to open the doors leading to the male slaves. Zobeide insists on opening the final door, despite warnings. A slave appears, and passion unfolds.
Music and dance fill the harem, led by the Golden Slave. Suddenly Shahryar returns and discovers the betrayal. Chaos erupts: the revelers are slaughtered, the Chief Eunuch is killed, and Shahryar himself kills Zobeide’s lover. Left alone, Zobeide chooses death over dishonor and takes her own life. Silence is broken only by the king’s cry. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Toni Candeloro
The name of Toni Candeloro is well known in the ballet world. He has performed on the stages of prestigious theaters and international festivals alongside Alessandra Ferri, Evelyne Dezutter, Galina Panova, Lorena Feijoo, Carla Fracci and her troupe, and Rudolf Nureyev in the pas de deux «Songs of a Wayfarer» choreographed by Maurice Béjart.
Toni Candeloro has researched the works of Mikhail Fokine and assembled a unique collection of engravings, photographs, costumes and memorabilia related to dance from the 17th century to the present. He collaborates with major international museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art «MART» in Rovereto and the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg.
He is also an organizer of numerous cultural events and festivals, and serves as director of ballet in Puglia and of the Mikhail Fokine Association recognized by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage.