SERAGLIO
SERAGLIO A Folkloric Ballet
"Two lovers risk everything to be together in Ottoman Istanbul"
Premiering 1989 in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Ojai and Salt Lake City, SERAGLIO is a three-act folkloric ballet about star-crossed lovers in early twentieth century Istanbul. It is the story of a Turkish girl and Greek boy who fall in love and, despite their cultural and class differences, decide to risk everything to be together. She is the youngest daughter of a wealthy Turkish family and he is a poor Greek immigrant who seeks a better life in Istanbul. When their relationship is discovered, they are forced to face the reality that their love and their lives are threatened.
Seraglio tells the age-old story of star-crossed lovers from a fresh perspective, in folk dance, thus setting a new precent of dance theater as a universal art - not just European ballet.
With 40 dancers, actors, elaborate sets and a grand score, Seraglio brought all the power and passion of Greek and Turkish music and dance to the stage again on Saturday March 2nd, 2024 at the fabulous Arlington Theater! With a sold-out-crowd, standing ovation and glowing reviews, Seraglio is scheduled to be presented in Los Angeles in October, 2025 at the iconic Wilshire Ebell Theater!
For more information about Seraglio go to: www.seraglioballet.com
“You transported us all into the dreamy, magical landscape that is Seraglio! From the tone, rhythm and feel of Turkey more than a hundred years ago, to the timeless epic battle for true love amidst repression and conflict. The bright colors of stage, costume and lighting delighted the eyes. It was a traveling marvel. And a snake dancing! What pure delight. The only sad note was it lasted but one night on stage. This time around. Here’s to the next time.” ~ Lori Hops, Guest and Donor.