Carlos Acosta to reimagine La Bayadère set in Renaissance Italy for 2026 world premiere
- Ikuko
- May 8
- 1 min read
The Birmingham Royal Ballet announced on 7th May 2025 that Artistic Director Carlos Acosta would create The Maiden of Venice, a reinterpretation of the 19th-century classic, La Bayadère.
The Maiden of Venice will be set in Renaissance Venice, Italy, instead of ancient India. The original score by Ludwig Minkus will be arranged by Gavin Sutherland. Set and costumes will be designed by Anna Fleischle and lighting by Lucy Carter.
The full-length La Bayadère has never been a part of BRB’s repertory before.
The news release said, “In recent times, the original narrative has become problematic, in both its themes and its recognised cultural appropriation. By moving the time and place from ancient India to Renaissance Venice, these sensitivities are removed in favour of the universal messages and richness of this precious work of art.”
The Maiden of Venice will world-premiere at Birmingham Hippodrome in Birmingham, the UK, in September 2026.
BRB’s playbill page says,
“Admiral Sandro returns victorious to Venice to prepare for his marriage to the daughter of the Doge. He learns that his childhood love, Nicola, is about to become a nun, and when they meet they declare their love for each other. Nicola’s guardian Bishop Olivolo overhears their declaration. The Bishop is also in love with Nicola and he vows to destroy Sandro.”
Looks like Acosta is keeping Kingdom of the Shades.
