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Free ballet and opera screenings in Millennium Square
The annual BP Big Screens programme returns to Millennium Square this summer for a brace of free screenings broadcast live from the Royal Opera House
First up on Wednesday, June 7 is The Dream/Symphonic Variations/Margeurite and Armand – a mixed programme of three of the finest works by the Royal Ballet’s founder choreographer Frederick Ashton. The Dream is an enchanting dance adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, while the abstract Symphonic Variations has been acclaimed as Ashton’s first masterpiece. Finally, there’s Marguerite and Armand, a tragic, lyrical love story inspired by the dance partnership of Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev. Hey – this might even take your mind off the Genral Election for a couple of hours.
Next, on Tuesday 4 July, there’s a treat for Verdi enthusiasts with Richard Eyre’s oft-revived traditional production of La Traviata. That’s the one in which hot courtesan Violetta falls for toff Alfredo and they shack up together. But having sacrificed her life of luxury for love, she finds herself implored by his dad, Giorgio, to dump him for the sake of the family’s reputation.
is needed now More than ever
Inaugurated way back in 1987, BP Big Screens has become established as a major part of the summer event cinema calendar. More than 22,000 people attended a free screening last year. Go here for more info about the Millennium Square screenings and full conditions of entry.
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