WA Ballet presents a 'feisty' Juliet

The West Australian Ballet is about to present the Australian premiere of Andrea Schermoly's Romeo and Juliet. 

As Interim Artistic Director David McAllister says, this is "a ballet all dancers long to dance" and that ballet audiences love to watch. This particular production, however, brings a unique and compelling female perspective to the classic tale, emphasising the strength and determination of Juliet in the face of oppressive societal norms.

“I’ve felt fulfilled and emboldened to highlight the tenacious, wilfulness of Juliet,” Schermoly says. “She is one of Shakespeare’s greatest heroines who chose her own path against the barbaric, patriarchal rules that forced a young woman into marriage and motherhood without consent. She and all women categorically of that time were denied the freedom of a life and love of their choosing.”

As McAllister says, "I think in the ballet [Juliet] can come across as this vacant, virginal victim". In Schermoly's interpretation, she is defiant and feisty.

South African-born Schermoly is a resident choreographer with the Louiseville Ballet in the US. She was a member of the South African National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team and trained as an actor before turning her talents to choreography. She is in high demand, creating new works for Oregon Ballet Theater, Charlotte Ballet and Sacramento Ballet.

Her Romeo and Juliet was created for the Royal New Zealand Ballet. It has exquisite sets and costumes by three-time Academy Award-winning designer James Acheson.

'Romeo and Juliet' runs from August 30 to September 13 at His Majesty's Theatre in Perth.