'Romeo and Juliet' Arrives at the National Theater in a Ballet Nacional de Panamá Production

The timeless tragedy of "Romeo and Juliet" is set to captivate audiences at the Teatro Nacional de Panamá, brought to life by the Ballet Nacional de Panamá. Running from August 27 to September 6, the production promises to transport viewers to Verona, chronicling the passionate love between the young protagonists, the bitter feud between their families, and the inevitable tragic conclusion that has cemented the play's status as a universal classic.

Gloria Barrios, director of the Ballet Nacional, highlighted the challenge of ensuring the audience remains engaged with the narrative solely through movement. "It is very important for us that our audience identifies with what is happening on stage, that they can follow it, because it is like a telenovela, a telenovela that we bring to life in the form of dance," Barrios explained.

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It is very important for us that our audience identifies with what is happening on stage, that they can follow it, because it is like a telenovela, a telenovela that we bring to life in the form of dance.

Intensive rehearsals have been underway, with dancers honing their movements, leaps, and choreography. Andrea Díaz, who will portray Juliet, and Solieh Samudio, as Romeo, described the process as demanding more than just technical perfection. Díaz noted that embodying Juliet allows her to experience the story through the character's eyes, conveying her emotions to the audience. "Unlike other ballets, I feel this ballet is very special because it's not just technique; we are telling a story, and I feel that, at this point, I as a dancer and artist am living the story through Juliet's eyes," she expressed.

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Unlike other ballets, I feel this ballet is very special because it's not just technique; we are telling a story, and I feel that, at this point, I as a dancer and artist am living the story through Juliet's eyes.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team is working diligently to create the visual elements that will enhance the storytelling. The costume workshop has been bustling for over a month, with a team responsible for crafting more than 100 costumes. These elaborate outfits are necessary to accommodate the numerous character and group changes required throughout the performance. "More than 100 costumes, because each one, the groups of 10, 15, the soloist who sometimes uses up to four costumes, there are the friends and each of them also performs different dances, so they have to change," explained seamstress Natalia Díaz.

As the tragic love story unfolds on stage, a parallel effort behind the scenes ensures the audience is transported to the era and atmosphere of the play. The Ballet Nacional de Panamá invites both dance enthusiasts and lovers of classic literature to experience this production, which promises to be a memorable rendition of Shakespeare's enduring masterpiece.

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More than 100 costumes, because each one, the groups of 10, 15, the soloist who sometimes uses up to four costumes, there are the friends and each of them also performs different dances, so they have to change.