Syyskausi 2021Autumn 2021

Spartacus

Lucas Jervies – Jérôme Kaplan – Aram Khachaturian
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15 performances
1.10.2021 – 11.11.2021
Ballets
Main Stage
Total duration 2 h 40 min
Total duration 2 h 40 min
2 intermissions (25 min)
15 performances
1.10.2021 – 11.11.2021
Ballets
Main Stage
tickets
17-129 €

Fight for your love

Spartacus is a gladiator who leads the slave uprising against the Roman Republic. The ballet tells the tale of the man, his passionate love, and his longing for freedom. Spartacus shows the male dancers of the Finnish National Ballet at their strongest and most athletic.

Spartacus is based on the true story of a Thracian slave who becomes a top gladiator and rebel leader. Battle scenes radiating masculinity are interwoven with the love story of Spartacus and his beautiful, enslaved wife Flavia and the depiction of the loyal friendship of Spartacus and Hermes.

Recommended for children over the age of 10. 

Tickets to season ticket performances will go on sale 31 August at noon.

Tickets & Performances

2 h 40 min
2 intermissions (25 min)
15 performances
1.10.2021 – 11.11.2021
Ballets
Main Stage
tickets
17-129 €
Fri 1.10.2021
at 19:00
Main Stage
from 35.00 €
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Sat 2.10.2021
at 14:00
Main Stage
from 20.00 €
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Wed 6.10.2021
at 19:00
Main Stage
from 20.00 €
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Fri 8.10.2021
at 19:00
Main Stage
from 20.00 €
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Sat 9.10.2021
at 19:00
Main Stage
from 20.00 €
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Tue 12.10.2021
at 19:00
Main Stage
from 20.00 €
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Thu 14.10.2021
at 19:00
Main Stage
from 20.00 €
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Sat 16.10.2021
at 19:00
Main Stage
from 20.00 €
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Wed 20.10.2021
at 19:00
Main Stage
from 17.00 €
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Sat 23.10.2021
at 14:00
Main Stage
from 20.00 €
Fri 29.10.2021
at 19:00
Main Stage
from 20.00 €
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Tue 2.11.2021
at 19:00
Main Stage
from 17.00 €
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Thu 4.11.2021
at 19:00
Main Stage
from 17.00 €
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Fri 5.11.2021
at 19:00
Main Stage
from 20.00 €
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Thu 11.11.2021
at 19:00
Main Stage
from 20.00 €
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A powerful new choreography and visuality meet rousing music and a popular story

Spartacus’s story has found its way to countless stages and even the legendary film starring Kirk Douglas. After the world premiere of the ballet composed by Aram Khachaturian took place in Leningrad (today’s St. Petesburg) in 1956, Spartacus attracted international attention for its impactful choreography and detailed character depiction. Now, Lucas Jervies’s choreography dusts off the ballet renowned for its rousing music, returning it to glory.

Jérôme Kaplan’s stunning visuality presents ancient Rome through a contemporary filter. The striking sets have been inspired by the Brutalist architecture of North Korea, the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, and DDR – juxtaposed with Roman baths that resemble the tutu-filled world of Swan Lake.

Watch trailer

Synopsis

Spartacus and his beautiful wife Flavia from Thrace have been captured by the Roman consul Crassus during war. Spartacus and his friend Hermes are sold to the gladiator trainer Batiatus who plans to make them top fighters. Flavia ends up as a slave in Crassus’s house. When Spartacus is forced to kill Hermes in the arena, he is horrified by his deed and incites his fellow captives to rebellion.

The rebels storm Crassus’s house to rescue Flavia. Instead of killing Crassus, Spartacus gives him mercy. The rebels rejoice over Flavia’s freedom, but Crassus and his troops are already plotting their revenge. Soon enough, despite their long and courageous fight, the Romans overpower the rebels and sentence them to death by crucifixion. Flavia, who has escaped the clutches of Rome, vows that Spartacus’s memory will live forever.

The full synopsis and other background information will be available in the programme leaflet.

“It’s important to remember that there’s a hero in every one of us. Spartacus is the kind of leader we should all support – he is neither egotistic nor a megalomaniac only looking out for himself.”

– Lucas Jervies, choreographer

#Spartacus #FNBspartacus

“ Spartacus is a triumph of emotion and pure physicality.”

– Herald Sun

”Spartacus isn’t a brute. He is a leader, carer and lover.”

– Lucas Jervies, choreographer

Creative team

Choreography
Lucas Jervies
Fight director
Nigel Poulton
Music
Aram Hatsaturjan
Sets, costumes
Jérôme Kaplan
Lighting design
Benjamin Cisterne
Dramaturge
Imara Savage
Hide Show

Listen to Spartacus

Costumes and parts of scenery are courtesy of The Australian Ballet.

Performance images Jeff Busby / The Australian Ballet
Video: The Australian Ballet

Complete the experience with refreshments

Refreshment sales start in Autumn

The Opera Restaurant is turning over a new leaf in Autumn 2021 with Restel as our new catering partner. Refreshment sales for performances in the 2021–2022 season will start in August. You can order refreshments in advance in our online shop, the Opera&Ballet mobile app, or at our customer service point.

Guaranteed seats with a season ticket

Yet another reason to love your season ticket

A season ticket is for true opera and ballet fans. The season ticket guarantees you a seat for all our premieres, which amount to 7 in the 2021–22 season.  You will also enjoy a dedicated seat in the auditorium and eleven more substantial benefits.

There is a limited amount of season ticket packages on sale. Season ticket packages for season 2021–22 on sale 5 May at noon.  

Read more about season tickets

Stay and enjoy

Your 20% discount for Radisson Blu Hotels

Complete your experience by staying the night at a hotel. As a customer of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet, you can enjoy the hospitality of Helsinki’s Radisson Blu Hotels at a special rate.

This treat-yourself-offer includes accommodation for two in the hotel of your choice in Helsinki, two glasses of sparkling wine upon arrival, and the hotel’s delicious Super Breakfast.

Explore the stylish hotels and book your favourite.

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