October 27 and 28, 2026, 7:00 PM
Varna State Opera / Main Stage
Libretto: Sergey Bobrov, based on the novel of the same name by Raffaello Giovagnoli and scenes from Roman life
Choreography: Sergey Bobrov
Set and Costume Design: Asya Stoimenova
Ballet Assistants and Repetiteurs: Alexander Matus-Marchuk, Natalia Bobrova, Natalia Matus-Marchuk, Megan Reid, Bakhidzhan Smagulov
Photography: Veselin Vasilev
Varna State Opera Ballet.
This performance is not recommended for audiences under the age of 18.
Aram Khachaturian’s ballet—which recounts the story of the uprising of gladiators and slaves led by the Thracian Spartacus, and his subsequent defeat by the forces of the Roman general Crassus—is based on actual historical events in Rome during the 1st century BC. Both in Khachaturian’s music and in the choreography (notably in Grigorovich’s version), Spartacus is portrayed as brave and noble, with the ideal of freedom defining his life and actions.
The cunning and cruel Crassus seeks personal glory and the absolute power of imperial Rome. The ballet presents the opposing figures of Spartacus and Crassus, embodying the clash of two worlds. Central roles are also held by Phrygia, the devoted lover of Spartacus, and Aegina, the treacherous courtesan and accomplice of Crassus.
Box office: Theatre and Music Production Center – Varna, 1 Nezavisimost Sq.: Monday – Friday: 09:30 – 13:30 and 14:30 – 20:00; Saturday: 10:00 – 13:30 and 14:30 – 19:00; Sunday: 11:00 – 16:00; phone: +359 52 665 022; reservations: +359 52 665 020. Festival and Congress Center: daily from 10:30 to 20:00 (break: 15:30 – 16:00); phone: +359 52 608 446.
