The Mystique of St. Petersburg Nights: The Queen of Spades

The Queen of Spades is a ballet retelling of Alexander Pushkin’s novella — perhaps the most mysterious work in Russian literature — that uses Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s passionate, sensual score from the opera based on the same story. In this production, St Petersburg itself takes centre stage. The city, with its restless nights, the glittering splendour of its grand palace balls and the abyssal dark depths of its canals, drives the plot as much as any character would, influencing the protagonists’ choices and decisions.


The spectacular sets and designer costumes were created by the outstanding Italian artists Ezio Frigerio and Franca Squarciapino, while Argentine choreographer and director Iñaki Urlezaga has brought the cast to life through powerful, at times even wild, expressions of emotion. The performances will be accompanied by a live symphony orchestra.