Mikhailovsky Theatre tickets 9 April 2026 - La Bayadere | GoComGo.com

La Bayadere

Mikhailovsky Theatre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Important Info
Type: Ballet
City: Saint Petersburg, Russia
Starts at: 19:00
Acts: 3
Intervals: 2
Duration: 2h 20min

E-tickets: Print at home or at the box office of the event if so specified. You will find more information in your booking confirmation email.

You can only select the category, and not the exact seats.
If you order 2 or 3 tickets: your seats will be next to each other.
If you order 4 or more tickets: your seats will be next to each other, or, if this is not possible, we will provide a combination of groups of seats (at least in pairs, for example 2+2 or 2+3).

Overview

The exquisite simplicity of the classics blends with the exotic opulence of the Maharajas in this ballet, which boasts a history of over a hundred and fifty years.

Libretto by Marius Petipa and Sergey Khudekov

Nacho Duato has created a production that harks back to Marius Petipa’s original, preserving the customary order of the scenes and the libretto’s climaxes, and leaving intact valuable pieces of the canonical choreography. At the same time, the ballet has freed itself of anachronisms and static pantomime episodes, replacing them with lavish, sculptural decor. In this story, Ancient India becomes a brilliant backdrop for the love of a temple dancer and a fine warrior who are fated to remain apart in both the real world and the astral one.

History
Premiere of this production: 23 January 1877, Imperial Bolshoi Kamenny Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia

La Bayadère (en. The Temple Dancer) is a ballet, originally staged in four acts and seven tableaux by French choreographer Marius Petipa to the music of Ludwig Minkus. The ballet was staged especially for the benefit performance of the Russian Prima ballerina Ekaterina Vazem, who created the principal role of Nikiya.

Synopsis

Set in the Royal India of the past, La Bayadère is a story of eternal love, mystery, fate, vengeance, and justice.  The ballet relates the drama of a temple dancer (bayadère), Nikiya, who is loved by Solor, a noble warrior.  She is also loved by the High Brahmin, but does not love him in return, as she does Solor.

Act I

Scene I, Outside Temple in the Sacred Forest.

The High Brahmin, priests, and temple dancers are celebrating the Indian Ritual of Fire.  Nikiya, the most beautiful of the bayadères, has been chosen to be consecrated the lead temple dancer.  The High Brahmin declares his love for Nikiya, but is rejected by her.  Nikiya meets secretly with Solor later that evening.  They dance together and swear eternal love over the Sacred Fire, but are discovered by the jealous High Brahmin, who vows to kill Solor.

Scene II, A Room in the Palace.

The Rajah has decided to reward Solor’s valor and decrees that the warrior will marry his daughter, Gamzatti.  Gamzatti falls in love with Solor’s portrait, and when they meet, he is overwhelmed by her beauty.  Even though he has sworn eternal love to Nikiya, he cannot defy the wishes of the Rajah and agrees to marry Gamzatti.  The High Brahmin informs the Rajah of Nikiya and Solor’s secret love, hoping that the Rajah will do away with Solor.  Instead, the Rajah decides to kill Nikiya.

This conversation is overhead by Gamzatti, who summons Nikiya to her rooms and attempts to bribe Nikiya to give up Solor.  Refusing, Nikiya frantically attempts to kill  Gamzatti.  Nikiya flees and Gamzatti swears to destroy her.

Scene III, The Garden of the Palace.

At the betrothal of Solor and Gamzatti, Nikiya is commanded to dance.  Gamzatti presents her with a basket of flowers that Nikiya believes to be from Solor, and which conceals a deadly snake.  Nikiya is bitten, and when Solor leaves with Gamzatti, she refuses the proffered antidote and dies.

Act II. The Tent of Solor.

Solor, grief‑stricken and under the influence of opium, dreams of being reunited with Nikiya in the Kingdom of the Shades.  Awakening, he realizes that he must prepare to marry Gamzatti.

Act III. The Temple.

The vision of Nikiya remains with Solor as the wedding ceremony begins at the Sacred Temple.  As Solor and Gamzatti say their vows and are blessed by the High Brahmin, the vengeance of the gods is unleashed, and the temple and all the celebrants are destroyed.  Nikiya and Solor are once again united in eternal love.

Venue Info

Mikhailovsky Theatre - Saint Petersburg
Location   1 Arts Square

Located in the historic center of Saint Petersburg, just steps from Nevsky Prospekt and the Arts Square, the Mikhailovsky Theatre is one of Russia’s most elegant and vibrant venues for opera and ballet. Founded in 1833, the theatre has long been an important part of the city’s rich cultural landscape, offering audiences a refined blend of classical tradition and innovative performance.

The theatre’s architecture reflects the grace of the imperial era. Its beautifully restored auditorium, adorned with gold accents, crimson velvet, and crystal chandeliers, creates an atmosphere of intimacy and aristocratic charm. Despite its historic appearance, the Mikhailovsky Theatre is equipped with modern stage technology, allowing it to present visually impressive productions while preserving its classical elegance.

Today, the theatre is known for its ambitious repertoire that spans beloved masterpieces of opera and ballet. Works by composers such as Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Puccini, and Mussorgsky share the stage with contemporary productions and new interpretations of classical works. The ballet company, admired for its expressive style and strong technique, performs iconic titles including Swan Lake, Giselle, and The Nutcracker, alongside modern choreographic creations.

The Mikhailovsky Theatre regularly welcomes internationally renowned singers, dancers, and conductors, while also nurturing a talented ensemble of resident artists. This combination of global artistry and local tradition creates performances that are both polished and emotionally compelling.

Elegant, historic, and artistically dynamic, the Mikhailovsky Theatre offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Russian opera and ballet.

Important Info
Type: Ballet
City: Saint Petersburg, Russia
Starts at: 19:00
Acts: 3
Intervals: 2
Duration: 2h 20min
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