What happens when Shakespeare takes to the ballet stage?

A season of drama, as Carolina Ballet presents its Spring Shakespeare Festival, featuring celebrated works of the Bard including A Midsummer Night's Dream and Macbeth.

“Shakespeare is one of history’s most revered creative geniuses. Translating his works of art into a ballet performance is an honor, and we are thrilled to present this work to the public,” said Carolina Ballet Artistic Director Robert Weiss.

“This festival includes brand new sets, original scores and the unmatched talent of our entire ballet company. Every aspect of the performances is a tribute to Shakespeare’s works.”

The professional ballet company is offering the Spring Shakespeare Festival to commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, and as part of its 2015-16 Season of Drama.

World Premiere

Performances include Tempest Fantasy from March 3-20 at the Fletcher Opera Theater in Raleigh; Macbeth from April 14-17 at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium and April 30 through May 1 at the Durham Performing Arts Center; and A Midsummer Night’s Dream from May 12-15 at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.

The world premiere of Shakespeare’s comedy Macbeth is the centerpiece of the festival, as choreographed by Weiss with a specially commissioned score by J. Mark Scearce, PhD, former head of the music department at North Carolina State University.

Performances feature live music by the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, and both Macbeth and Midsummer Night’s Dream feature newly designed sets.

For tickets and more information, visit carolinaballet.com or call (919) 719-0900.