Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2010

One of Japan’s favorite ballerinas, Nina Ananiashvili, celebrates the 20th anniversary of her Japan debut as the State Ballet of Georgia returns to Tokyo. Under Ananiashvili, the company will stage two classics: Romeo & Juliet and Giselle. In the former, the famously expressive Ananiashvili will play the part of Juliet for the first time in a decade, opposite the Bolshoi’s acclaimed Andrei Uvarov. The latter sees Ananiashvili in the title role of peasant girl Giselle, with Uvarov this time playing the faithless nobleman Albrecht. Audiences will also be looking forward to seeing Morihiro Iwata, the only Japanese member of the Bolshoi, in the role of Mercutio.

Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare’s classic by the State Ballet of Georgia. Mar 5, 6:30pm, ¥4,000 (E)/¥7,000 (D)/¥10,000 (C)/¥13,000 (B)/¥16,000 (A)/¥19,000 (S). Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, Ueno. March 12, 6:30pm; Mar 14, 3pm, ¥4,000 (E)/¥7,000 (D)/¥10,000 (C)/¥13,000 (B)/¥16,000 (A)/¥19,000 (S). U-Port Hall, Gotanda. Tel: 03-5237-7711.

Giselle
Classic ballet performed by the State Ballet of Georgia. Mar 10, 7pm, ¥4,000 (E)/¥7,000 (D)/¥10,000 (C)/¥13,000 (B)/¥16,000 (A)/¥19,000 (S). U-Port Hall, Gotanda. Tel: 03-5237-7711.