Northern Ballet has announced principal casting for their performances of David Nixon CBE’s The Great Gatsby at London’s Sadler’s Wells from the 16-20 May.
Joining the Company in the role of Jay Gatsby for selected performances is Principal of The Royal Ballet, Ryoichi Hirano. Ryoichi Hirano joined The Royal Ballet as a Prix de Lausanne apprentice in 2001, developing through the ranks of the company to Principal in 2016. He has also performed as Guest Principal for Norwegian National Ballet and Scottish Ballet.
Ryoichi Hirano will be partnered with fellow guest artist, former Northern Ballet Principal Soloist Minju Kang in the role of Daisy Buchanan. Minju Kang joined Northern Ballet in 2016 and played numerous lead roles during her time with the Company, becoming a favourite with audiences and critics alike before leaving to join English National Ballet earlier this year.
Ryoichi Hirano and Minju Kang will dance together on Friday 19 May at 7.30pm and Saturday 20 May at 7.30pm.
Also partnered as Gatsby and Daisy are Principal Soloist Joseph Taylor & First Soloist Dominique Larose and First Soloist Jonathan Hanks & Leading Soloist Sarah Chun.
‘This May marks 10 years since David Nixon CBE’s The Great Gatsby was first performed at Sadler’s Wells and what better way to celebrate than welcoming these two incredible artists to the stage alongside our talented Company of dancers. Ryoichi and Minju bring their own unique take on Jay and Daisy and I look forward to seeing them light up the theatre in these roles once again.’
Federico Bonelli, Northern Ballet’s Artistic Director
'I've hugely enjoyed working with the Company on this wonderful ballet and look forward to playing Jay Gatsby again in London this May.'
Ryoichi Hirano, Guest Artist
‘I was delighted to be asked to revisit The Great Gatsby alongside fellow Principal Guest Artist Ryoichi Hirano of the Royal Ballet. I am looking forward to sharing this experience with audiences at Sadler's Wells.’
Minju Kang, Guest Artist
Full casting for The Great Gatsby. Casting is subject to change.
Header image: Guy Farrow, featuring dancers Antoinette Brooks-Daw and Nicola Gervasi. Other images: Ryoichi Hirano, photo Johan Persson, and Minju Kang and Jonathan Hanks, photo George Liang.
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