ICBC (Asia) Sponsors the HKAF Festival Finale: The State Ballet Company of Astana Opera Theater—Spartacus

A heroic ballet of male virtuosity danced in the great Russian tradition

Created in 1968 by Yuri Grigorovich, Spartacus tells the story of the Thracian gladiator who led a slave revolt against Rome. Set to Aram Khachaturian’s powerful score and built on choreography of dramatic intensity, the work makes extraordinary athletic and technical demands of its male principals and corps.

Spartacus arrives on the HKAF stage in its complete Grigorovich choreography, with the original scenic and costume designs: soaring leaps, the clash of Roman legions and rebel gladiators, and the entire company of dancers in spectacular ensemble.

The prestigious Astana Opera Theater is Central Asia’s largest opera house, and its ballet company is among the few ensembles with the calibre to mount Spartacus. The troupe is rooted in the Russian classical school, known for fusing physical power with expressive range.