Rudolf Khametovich Nureyev was a Soviet ballet dancer and choreographer. He was director of the Paris Opera Ballet from 1983 to 1989 and its chief choreographer until October 1992.
Named Lord of the Dance, Rudolf Nureyev is regarded as one of ballet's most gifted male dancers.
In addition to his technical prowess, Rudolf Nureyev was an accomplished choreographer. He produced his own interpretations of numerous classical works, including Swan Lake, Giselle, and La Bayadère.
Rudolf Nureyev had his early career with the Mariinsky Ballet in St. Petersburg. He defected from the Soviet Union to the West in 1961, despite KGB efforts to stop him. This was the first defection of a Soviet artist during the Cold War and it created an international sensation.
He went on to dance with The Royal Ballet in London and from 1983 to 1989 served as director of the Paris Opera Ballet.
Adults only
Synopsis
Act I
The Auction After Rudolf Nureyev’s death his property is being auctioned in New York and Paris. Each of the items on display contains a part of the great dancer’s life. Rossi Street Nureyev’s studying at the Vaganova Ballet School in Leningrad, his graduation concert, his early career at the Kirov Theatre. Nureyev’s success goes hand in hand with constant denunciations, both at home and during tours abroad.
A Leap to Freedom Paris. After his legendary ‘leap to freedom’ Nureyev is left alone. His childhood memories entwine with the uncertainty that awaits him. Nureyev meets the Parisians and tries to imitate their behaviour – to move like free people do. He is fascinated by the dances of men in drag in the Bois de Boulogne.
A Letter to Rudi. The pupil Nureyev’s pupils and colleagues – Charles Jude, Manuel Legris, Laurent Hilaire – remember him as an artist, as their friend, as an important part of their lives and the entire human history. The Portrait. Rudimania Nureyev’s photo session with the famous Richard Avedon in the latter’s studio. Avedon gets the dancer to behave as natural as possible. Nureyev is admired by all and stalked by paparazzi. The high society is enraptured by his provocative behavior. Erik Dance and mutual passion unite Nureyev and Erik.
Act II
Grand Gala Worldwide triumph. Partners change, roles change, music changes – only the great and inimitable Nureyev stays the same. He isn’t going to let anyone take his place.
A Letter to Rudi. The diva The great ballerinas, Nureyev’s partners – Alla Osipenko and Natalia Makarova – address him through time and eternity that lie between them.
Le Roi Soleil Nureyev reigns like the Sun King, enjoying the exquisite singing and sensual paintings.
The Island Beneath the gorgeous outfit of the Sun King there is a lonely Pierrot devoured by disease.
The Shadows Nureyev is not only a dancer and a choreographer: he becomes a conductor too. He stages La Bayadère, his last production. But he is surrounded not only by the legendary Shadows. The music stops. Nureyev keeps conducting the silence.