Saint Mary’s Page Series hosts Saint Petersburg Ballet Theatre

WINONA, Minn. — The world-renowned Saint Petersburg Ballet Theatre will stage the passionate tragedy of “Carmen” — a story of forbidden love, jealousy and murder — Jan. 24 at Saint Mary’s University.

The performance, part of SMU’s Page Series, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Page Theatre, located in the Performance Center.

Founded in 1966 by Peter Gusev, the Saint Petersburg Ballet Theatre was the first of its kind in Russia. The professional company is one of few ballet companies in Russia (along with the Kirov and the Bolshoi State and Academic Ballet Theatres) that has been given the title of “State and Academic Ballet,” the highest official status and honor by the Russian government.

In December 2000, the celebrated choreographer Yuri Petukhov became the company’s artistic director.

In the upcoming performance of “Carmen,” a soldier, Don Jose, abandons his regiment to run away with the beautiful gypsy Carmen. When the cards foretell of her and Don Jose’s deaths, she abandons him and runs to the bullfighter Escamillo. At the bullfight in Seville, Don Jose finds Carmen alone and begs her to run away with him. She insists their love affair is over and that she now loves Escamillo. In a rage, Don Jose murders Carmen as the crowd inside the bullring cheers Escamillo.

Tickets are $22, $16 for seniors and $14 for students and are available by calling the SMU Box Office, (507) 457-1715, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.pagetheatre.org.

Make it dinner and a show. Pre-show dinners are provided by Chartwells Catering. Seating begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Toner Student Center, located next to the Performance Center. Adult dinners cost $20 and include chicken, beef, and vegetarian options, along with beverages and dessert. Bottles of wine may be purchased for an extra fee. Children’s dinners cost $12 and include mac-n-cheese or chicken fingers with sides, beverages, and dessert. Orders will be accepted up to three days prior to the event; order online or by phone.