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34 Events

La Bayadère
Ballet

Türk Telekom Opera Hall

3 Acts
Istanbul State Opera and Ballet is the harbinger of the bal-
let blanc that came after it, establishing important connec-
tions between the romantic and classical periods; is prepar-
ing to bring La Bayadère, one of its greatest ballet works,
to ballet lovers.

La Bayadère ballet, which will premiere on the evening of
January 14 in the magnificent atmosphere of Atatürk Cul-
tural Center – Türk Telekom Opera Hall, promises a lot to ballet lovers with its plot set in India, its magical atmosphere full of love and
intrigue, the unique choreography of Marius Petipa, the melodic appeal of Ludwig Minkus’ music, its scenes containing ostentatious
rituals and ethnic elements, and its excellent dances.

Ayşem Sunal Savaşkurt is performing the ballet La Bayadère. Ballet enthusiasts will continue to experience the deeply mystical and
ethnic atmosphere of India, with Efter Tunç’s set designs, Gülden Sayıl’s costumes, and Önder Arık’s lighting in La Bayadère.
Music: L. Minkus
Choreographer: M. Petipa
Staged and Arranged by: Ayşem Sunal Savaşkurt

Conductor: Zdravko Lazarov
Decor Design: Efter Tunç
Costume Design: Gülden Sayıl
Light Design: Önder Arık

SUBJECT OF THE WORK

The Almighty Brahman, priests and temple dancers hold the Holy Fire Mass in India. Nikiya, the most beautiful of the temple danc-
ers, was honored as the chief temple dancer. The Almighty Brahman declares his love for Nikiya, but Nikiya refuses him and secretly
meets the noble warrior Solor at night. They dance together and promise each other eternal love over the Holy Fire. When the jealous
Almighty Brahman realizes the situation, he vows to kill Solor.

Rajah wants to reward Solor’s courage and orders him to marry his daughter Gamzatti. As soon as Gamzatti sees Solor’s portrait,
she falls in love with him, and when they meet, Solor is also fascinated by her beauty. Despite vowing eternal love to Nikiya, he is
unable to resist Rajah’s request and decides to marry Gamzatti. The Almighty Brahman, hoping that the Rajah will eliminate Solor,
tells him about the secret love between Nikiya and Solor. However, Rajah decides to kill Nikiya. Overhearing this dialogue, Gamzatti
calls Nikiya to her room and tries to bribe her into giving up Solor. Nikiya, who rejects Gamzatti, goes crazy and tries to kill her. Then
Nikiya escapes and Gamzatti vows to destroy her.

At Solor and Gamzatti’s engagement, Nikiya is ordered to dance. Gamzatti sends him a basket of flowers as a gift. Nikiya thinks the
flowers are from Solor. However, a poisonous snake is hidden in the flower basket. The snake stings Nikiya and seeing Solor leave
with Gamzatti, Nikiya does not want to take the antidote offered to her and dies.

Solor is all alone in his room. He has completely surrendered to the sorrow of Nikiya’s death. He takes opium to relieve his pain, and
his hallucinations lead him to the Kingdom of Shadows. Here, the image of Nikiya and the memories of their love do not go away
before his eyes. After seeing Nikiya’s image for the last time, he ends his own life. Thus, Nikiya and Solor unite in eternal love.