‘In the future you should create my portrait not through music, but trying to present the complete image of a person with all his characteristic weaknesses and oddities.’

Aram Khachaturian (Spartacus)

Representing the complete image of a person, of a Thracian gladiator who lived over 2000 years ago, through a choreographed routine, is certainly no easy feat. Yet, covering several feet over and across the stage, the Bolshoi production is one which breathes new air into the central role of the rebellious, enslaved warrior. Imbued with a sense of rising pent-up energy and anger, with limbs and emotions stretched to their limit, Spartacus is that mighty figure who could only look forward to a brighter future.