Dutch National Ballet
La Bayadère
Dates
26 March – 19 April 2026
Location
Dutch National Opera & Ballet, Main Stage
Running time
2:15, incl. 1 interval
Tickets
From € 32
A reimagined classic
Dutch National Ballet presents a grand, renewed production of La Bayadère. This vibrant adaptation preserves the enchanting dance jewels of Marius Petipa while drawing from a revised libretto that re-examines the historical context. Rachel Beaujean, Kalpana Raghuraman, Dr. Priya Srinivasan and Ted Brandsen have collaborated on a revised storyline that moves away from the orientalist perspective of the original version. When Petipa created La Bayadère in 1877, he had never visited India. Although he consulted various sources, his production presented a fantasised image of an India perceived as exotic through Western eyes. Following extensive research, this production revises the story with greater attention to its historical and cultural context.
Performance information
Dutch National Opera & Ballet advises a minimum age of 8 for this performance.
New production
Choreography Marius Petipa
Staging and additional choreography Rachel Beaujean
With scenes from productions by Vakhtang Chabukiani, Vladimir Ponomarev, Konstantin Sergeyev and Nikolai Zubkovsky
Co-directors – development revised concept Rachel Beaujean, Dr. Priya Srinivasan, Kalpana Raghuraman and Ted Brandsen
Music Ludwig Minkus – La Bayadère (1877)
Original libretto Sergei Khudekov
Historical research, revised concept, diversity and equity consulting Dr. Priya Srinivasan
Set and costume design Jérôme Kaplan
Lighting design James F. Ingalls
Video design Bowie Verschuuren and Amos Mulder
Musical adaptation Koen Kessels and Olga Khoziainova
Artistic consultants Tenma and Grigori Tchitcherine (also répétiteur Mardalam dance)
Performers on film
S. Thanganila, S. Poovizhi, Priyadharshni, Indu Panday, Anuradha Pancham, Sooraj Subramaniam, Tharun Sekar, Mukesh Amaran, Tenma
Film Director Tenma
Film Production
Tenma, Mukesh Amaran, Raghunath Selvaraj, Sasikumar Jayaraman, Praveen Akash, Mathew Jose Kurian, Naveen Sekar, Jai, Manoj, Hemant Kumar
Musical accompaniment Dutch Ballet Orchestra conducted by Koen Kessels (until 5 April) or Alexei Baklan (from 8 April)
Farewell to Rachel Beaujean on 19 April
On 19 April, Dutch National Ballet bids farewell to Rachel Beaujean. That afternoon’s performance of La Bayadère will be dedicated to her, with special attention being given to her farewell. Please note that the performance is expected to last around 30 minutes longer than usual.
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Podcast
In this podcast, Jacq. Algra interviews co-directors Rachel Beaujean, Kalpana Raghuraman and Dr. Priya Srinivasan about their choices for the new version of La Bayadère in terms of characters, design and intentions.
Introduction
An introduction offering background information to enrich your theatre visit takes place 45 minutes before the performance. The introductions are given in Dutch and are free to attend without a reservation. Simply present your ticket for the performance. They take place in the Souterrain.
Introduction to La Bayadère
Lin van Ellinckhuijsen and Jacq. Algra.
Production partner
The Junior Company is made possible by
