Eifman Ballet: Russian Hamlet

In his spellbinding Russian Hamlet, the audacious choreographer Boris Eifman conjures the intrigues and passions of the notorious House of Romanov through electrifying imagery, bold theatricality, and opulent costumes. In this West Coast premiere of the recent revival of his wildly popular production, Eifman masterfully reimagines Shakespeare’s play in the context of a sordid chapter of Russian history—focusing on the tragic figure of Paul I and his confrontation with a hostile world built on violence, treachery, and lies. The lavish staging and powerful, sensuous choreography are set to music by Beethoven and Mahler. “The Eifman image is always provocative, frequently outlandish and always daring. It is relevant, never dull” (The New York Times).