The İzmir State Opera and Ballet (İZDOB) premiered the ballet adaptation of William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet" with brand new music, choreography and decor. Adapted to opera, cinema and ballet countless times, Shakespeare's timeless play "Romeo and Juliet" assumes a new identity with İZDOB's production.

The choreography of "Romeo and Juliet," which is the first ballet performance by İZDOB this season, was developed by Devlet Armağan Davran and Volkan Ersoy while its music was arranged by Tolga Taviş. The performance, which is characterized as a contemporary approach to the classic thanks to its innovative music and decor, made its premiere on Saturday.

The art director and the acting director of İZDOB, Haldun Özörten, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that İZDOB is excited to stage a classical ballet adaptation after one and a half years.

Explaining that İZDOB brought a new approach to Shakespeare's classic, Özörten said, "İZDOB's ballet adaptation of 'Romeo and Juliet' is staged with a selection of Tchaikovsky's compositions. Our entire ballet team threw their heart and soul into this performance for two months in order to stage a magnificent ballet performance for the art lovers in İzmir as we have not staged a classical ballet adaptation for almost 1.5 half years. This year, we wanted to open the season with a classical ballet performance and 'Romeo and Juliet' won the race. We thought the performance over and put our heads together with our choreographers. We have been working very hard for the last two months."

Özerten claimed that one of the most visible chances in the new adaptation of the ballet performance is the decor. "We are making huge changes. Since the entire world is following the new developments in the technology, we could not ignore it. We are presenting a decor based on projections. We are staging a beautiful, classical ballet with an innovative decor and approach," Özerten added.

Prima ballerina Aslı Çilek, who will play the character of Juliet, expressed her excitement to stage a ballet performance they have worked really hard for. "We are very excited. It is like a new baby is being born and the entire team is exited. We believe that we are able to create a good connection with the audience in İzmir. The story of 'Romeo and Juliet' is the same but our beloved choreographers wanted to bring a contemporary approach. With decor, costume and small nuances in the dance moves, the choreographers aimed to introduce a contemporary touch to the play and they have achieved it. We are very happy," said Çilek.

The ballet adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet" premiered on Nov. 19 and is set to be performed on Nov. 22, Dec. 8-10 and Feb. 25-28.