Also known as ‘The Temple Dancer’, La Bayadère was originally choreographed by Frenchman Marius Petipa, and performed at the famed Boishoi Theatre in Saint Petersburg, Russia. This version at the New National Theatre is an original production, with revised choreography by Asami Maki.
The plot follows a love triangle full of jealousy. Two lovers, the temple dancer Nikiya and warrior Solor, are crossed in their efforts to be together by the High Brahmin, who loves Nikiya, and the Rajah, who has decided to wed off his daughter Gamzatti to Solor. Lovers of elaborate costumes and set designs will be happy here, with every inch of the stage designed to evoke the temple and the Realm of Shadows.
Photo: Hidemi Seto