Spartacus is no quiet night at the ballet. From March 19 to 21, Astana Opera Ballet is bringing the story of a gladiator’s rebellion to the Grand Theatre at Hong Kong Cultural Centre, where dancers take on two of ballet’s great male roles, defined by soaring leaps and powerful lifts.
The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra will perform Aram Khachaturian’s score live, while The Hong Kong Children’s Choir joins as the female chorus.
This is a ballet where the music carries much of the story, from battle scenes to moments of grief. ICBC (Asia) sponsors the festival finale on March 19.
Ballet Troupe of Central Asia’s Largest Opera House
The dancers come from Kazakhstan’s State Ballet Company of Astana Opera Theater. Opened in 2013, Astana Opera is Central Asia’s largest opera house, and its ballet troupe has developed an international repertoire under Artistic Director Altynai Asylmuratova.
She spent more than two decades dancing with the Kirov/Mariinsky Ballet and later performed with The Royal Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet. From 2000 to 2013, Asylmuratova led the Vaganova Academy, where generations of Russian ballet dancers have trained. She has led Astana Opera Ballet since 2015.
The Heroic Masterpiece of Ballet History
Grigorovich created this Spartacus for the Bolshoi in 1968. The upcoming production in March keeps his choreography and Simon Virsaladze’s original sets and costumes.
Set in ancient Rome, it follows a gladiator who leads a revolt against the Roman Republic. Spartacus and the general Crassus clash through enormous leaps and lifts, while Phrygia, Spartacus’ wife, reveals the rebellion’s personal cost.
Crassus’ mistress Aegina brings an equally demanding role, using dance to show her appetite for power.
These contrasting roles demand convincing acting throughout. Khachaturian’s Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia slows the pace, letting the relationship take centre stage amid the larger conflict.
The 55th Hong Kong Arts Festival is set to open on February 18, featuring nearly 1,500 artists appearing across more than 190 performances. Beyond Spartacus, the season brings theatre, opera, dance and concerts with talents from around the world.
See the full festival programme for other shows and tickets.
Event Details
📆 Date & Time: March 19–20, 2027 at 7:30pm; March 21 at 3pm.
⏱️ Duration: Approximately three hours, including two intervals.
📍 Venue: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui.
🎟️ Tickets: HK$380 to HK$880 (March 19-20), HK$320 to HK$820 (March 21). Discounts available for full-time local students, and advance bookings run until 20 November 2026
🌐 Website: https://visit.hkaf.org/zccm9s7f
👨👩👧 Age: For ages six and above.
Header image credit: HKAF