Layla and Majnun — Silkroad Ensemble

Overview

The premiere dance event at this year's Melbourne Festival arrives courtesy of legendary music act Silkroad Ensemble, and is inspired by one of the oldest love stories known to man. The doomed romance of Layla and Majnun predates Romeo and Juliet by over 1000 years, and is brought vividly to life in this epic dance-opera sung entirely in Azerbaijani. The production has been crafted by some big names: choreographer Mark Morris draws on ballet, modern and folk dance to create a style that's entirely unique, while a dazzling set design by late British painter Howard Hodgkin matched the dancer's flowing costumes. There will only be five performances at the State Theatre, and the more affordable tickets start at a reasonable $39 for under 30s and $49 for everyone else. An absolute must-see of the festival.

Images: Susana Millman.