Khachaturian: Spartacus

Choreography: Yuri Grigorovich

Scenario: Nikolai Volkov

Scenography, Set and Costume Design: Simon Virsaladz

Lighting Design: Mikhail Sokolov

A production of State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Russia

Co-produced by Bel Air Media, Bolshoi Theatre of Russia In association with France 2, BBC and Decca Music Group with the support of Centre National de la Cinematographie

The world's greatest male dancer, Carlos Acosta, dances the greatest male ballet lead Spartacus, in Grigorovich's famous Soviet ballet, created for the Bolshoi to Khachaturian's famous score. Following sensational performances in Moscow and London in 2007, the Bolshoi's production was re-staged and filmed in January 2008 in the Paris Opera's Palais Garnier, especially for Carlos.

Captured in HD widescreen, this is the first major DVD/video of Spartacus since the Bolshoi's own performances from the 70s.

This is the first DVD marking the signing of Carlos Acosta to the Decca label as an exclusive artist, and the next DVD release is expected to be the Royal Ballet's production of Romeo & Juliet, starring Acosta and Tamara Rojo.

Extras: The DVD will also include a 30 min extra film, featuring interviews with Carlos and choreographer Yuri Grigorovich.

Choreography: Yuri Grigorovich

Scenario: Nikolai Volkov

Scenography, Set and Costume Design: Simon Virsaladz

Lighting Design: Mikhail Sokolov

A production of State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Russia

Co-produced by Bel Air Media, Bolshoi Theatre of Russia In association with France 2, BBC and Decca Music Group with the support of Centre National de la Cinematographie

The world's greatest male dancer, Carlos Acosta, dances the greatest male ballet lead Spartacus, in Grigorovich's famous Soviet ballet, created for the Bolshoi to Khachaturian's famous score. Following sensational performances in Moscow and London in 2007, the Bolshoi's production was re-staged and filmed in January 2008 in the Paris Opera's Palais Garnier, especially for Carlos.

The powerful Rome of the 1st century BC conquers new territories and peoples. Having seized great amount of spoils of war and slaves, with another victory, the legions of the Roman Consul Crassus are returning to Rome. Among the enchained slaves are the Thracian king Spartacus and his wife Phrygia. The gently loving married couple is separated. Horrible lot is prepared for them.

Phrygia, turned to slavery, has to become one of Crassus’s concubines; Spartacus has to become one of gladiators in order to die in life-death fight, amusing the Roman nobles. Rebellious and freedom-loving Spartacus calls up the slaves for uprising.

On the occasion of victory Crassus has invited in his palace the Roman patricians. The guests are amusing themselves, enjoying the atrocious scenes of gladiators' fights, who have to fight blindfold. Has the arena been hardly cleared from dead bodies, it fills with slave-dancers. Among them is Phrygia. When the orgy reaches the climax, all of a sudden Spartacus, leading a group of rebels, bursts into the palace. In panic Crassus and his guests escape, running away they swear to take revenge. The insurgent people are exulting! They won back the long-awaited freedom.

Having gathered considerable forces, Crassus pursues the rebellious slaves. The troops of Spartacus, weakened by defeats in unequal battles, by inner discords and betrayals, can't stand up against well-equipped Roman army. The Revolt is doomed to a failure, but faithful brothers-in-arms stay with Spartacus till the very tragic end, choosing death over slavery.