Plovdiv Opera to premiere new ballet ‘Son of the Monkeys’

The Plovdiv Opera will premiere a new original ballet titled ‘Son of the Monkeys’ on October 16 at the Boris Hristov House of Culture. The production is inspired by Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novel ‘Tarzan, Lord of the Apes’ and marks the institution’s first entirely commissioned ballet production.

Developed by an international creative team, the performance blends classical ballet traditions with modern expressive techniques. The story follows Seun, a child raised among monkeys on the remote island of Eyland, as he navigates his identity and the conflict between two worlds. The plot centers on the threat posed to the island's monkey colony by a businessman named Sleg, who seeks to exploit a hidden oil reserve.

The creative team includes choreographer Amedeo Giunta, composer Milen Apostolov, set and costume designer Elitsa Georgieva, and dramaturg Antonio Rosas. The lead roles of Seun will be performed by Lorenzo Pavesi and Antonio Rosas, while the character Si will be portrayed by Mayu Bepu and Fumi Penchev.