Havana’s Alicia Alonso Gran Teatro will open its doors January 1, 2016, after a three-year renovation, with the customary gala dedicated to the triumph of the Revolution. Included will be a performance entitled Tríptico Clásico by the Cuban National Ballet, in Federico García Lorca Hall, accompanied by the theater’s orchestra conducted by Giovanny Duarte.
The show will include the First Act of Giselle – choreography by Alicia Alonso based on Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot’s original; Act Two of Swan Lake – choreography by Alicia Alonso based on Marius Petipa and Lev Ivánov’s original; and Coppelia (Act Three) choreographed by Alicia Alonso based on the original by Arthur Saint-Léon and Marius Petipa’s version.
The January 1 performance is dedicated to all of those who participated in the Grand Theater’s restoration, with the first public performance set to take place Sunday the 3rd. Tickets are on sale at the theater box office, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Since September of 2015, the historic venue bears the name “Gran Teatro de La Habana Alicia Alonso” as a result of an exceptional decision made by the Republic of Cuba’s Council of State to honor the eminent dancer’s contributions to Cuban and world culture, her love for the country and loyalty to the Revolution.
A sculpture of Alonso, who celebrated her 95th birthday on December 21, will be placed in the theater’s vestibule.
The Grand Theater is one of the oldest of its kind in Latin America, inaugurated April 15, 1838 as the Tacón, to house Havana’s Centro Gallego.
(Granma)