Ballet Theatre Of Maryland To Perform “Napoli”

Ballet Theatre of Maryland (BTM) will present “Napoli” from October 25-27 at Maryland Hall. This sunny story ballet follows a plucky fisherman and his beloved Teresina as they brave a wicked sea demon to find their happy ending. With themes of faithfulness and love everlasting, “Napoli” is a family-friendly treat. It will open BTM’s 2024-2025 mainstage season.

“While much of our programming includes productions with immediate name recognition — think ‘Swan Lake’ or ‘The Nutcracker’ — it’s important to us to also present classic works that are less frequently performed,” said Nicole Kelsch, BTM’s artistic director. “Such is the case with ‘Napoli.’ Although this ballet is a signature work by famed Danish choreographer August Bournonville, it is rarely produced in the United States. That’s something we would like to change, and we are certain our audience members will enjoy the comedy, drama and beautiful dancing of this celebrated work.”

Choreographed by Bournonville in 1842, “Napoli” is a gem of the romantic ballet tradition. When Bournonville visited Naples, Italy, he was so taken by the coastal city’s warmth and color that he was inspired to put it in a ballet. Combining Bournonville’s love of the city with folkloric inspirations, “Napoli” includes scenes of rowdy fishermen, lithe water nymphs and a spirited tarantella.

Audiences will follow along as Teresina insists to her mother that she will marry the fisherman Gennaro over any wealthier suitor. Her mother gives her blessing, but then the young lovers are caught in a terrible storm. Gennaro survives the shipwreck, only to discover that a wicked sea demon has transformed Teresina into a naiad. He breaks the spell and the two return home, which leads to a celebration in Naples.

Enjoy Ballet Theatre of Maryland’s performances of “Napoli” on October 25 at 7:30pm, October 26 at 1:00pm and October 27 at 2:00pm. In-person tickets are on sale now with discounts for seniors, military, students and children. For virtual audiences, tickets are $36 per household. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit www.balletmaryland.org.

BTM cautions that www.balletmaryland.org and www.eventbrite.com are the only official websites for purchasing tickets to performances. Ballet Theatre of Maryland is not responsible for tickets purchased through unauthorized third parties.