July 23, 2025
Caracalla Dance Theatre performs at Chekhov Festival
The Caracalla Dance Theatre from Lebanon has presented its production "One Thousand and One Nights" at the 17th International Chekhov Theatre Festival. The performances are taking place on the New Stage of the Bolshoi Theatre.
Over its half-century history, the Caracalla Dance Theatre has earned the status of a cultural emblem of its country and the title of the Middle East's foremost ballet treasure. The uniqueness of the Caracalla style lies in its fusion of the majestic nature of Arab visual culture with the dynamic and sensual sharpness of contemporary ballet. Critics have noted the influence of Martha Graham's style on Caracalla's productions, combined with the historical context of ballet. The costumes and scenography are distinctive – for each production, a separate collection of fabrics and ornaments is assembled from different regions of Lebanon. The company performs on the world's most prestigious stages, including Covent Garden and the Kennedy Center. Its repertoire includes choreographic variations on Shakespeare's plays, epic ballets and even musicals.
The company is performing in contemporary Russia for the first time. They have brought to Moscow one of their most famous productions – the ballet "One Thousand and One Nights". The performance is set to the music of two great composers – Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (the suite "Scheherazade") and Maurice Ravel's "Boléro" – lending a multicultural dimension to Caracalla's choreographic masterpiece. The Artistic Director is Ivan Caracalla, with choreography by Alissar Caracalla.