Balletto di Milano will present the Eastern fairy tale “Scheherazade: One Thousand and One Nights” for the first time in Switzerland on the stage of a major theater

For the first time in Switzerland, the ballet “Scheherazade: One Thousand and One Nights” will be performed by one of Italy’s most prestigious companies—the Balletto di Milano State Theater. Audiences can look forward to a grand production combining classical choreography, expressive set design, lavish costumes, and the mesmerizing music of the great composers Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Aram Khachaturian.

This two-act ballet transports the audience to the wondrous world of Eastern legends, where reality intertwines with fantasy, and each story becomes a journey into a realm of beauty, passion, and human emotions.

At the heart of the performance is the legendary Scheherazade, whose name translates as “daughter of the city.” Every night, she tells the sultan new stories, transforming words into magical images and holding back the passage of time with the power of her imagination.

Balletto di Milano’s original production explores the timeless theme of art as a source of hope and salvation. The musical composition of the work is based on a combination of pieces by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Aram Khachaturian, creating a rich emotional palette—ranging from drama and tension to lyrical and poetic moments.

The State Theater Balletto di Milano is considered one of the leading representatives of Italian ballet and rightfully holds the status of an ambassador for Italian ballet around the world.

For over 40 years, the company has captivated audiences on leading stages in Italy and at international venues in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, Spain, Germany, and the United States. The artists of Balletto di Milano are world-class professionals, many of whom were trained at the renowned La Scala Academy and other leading dance schools.

The company’s artistry is distinguished by virtuoso technique, emotional expressiveness, and the ability to blend the traditions of classical ballet with a contemporary stage language.

The choreographic version of “Scheherazade” was created by CP – Mella/Torrielli. The revival and adaptation of the production were carried out by Agnese Omodei Sale, who preserved the depth of the original concept and enhanced its contemporary stage presence.

Marco Pesta’s set design transforms the stage into a vibrant Eastern world, filled with color, movement, and the atmosphere of a fairy tale. Dynamic ensemble scenes give way to moments of subtle poetry, and the performers’ expressive movement reveals the characters’ personalities without a single word.

The costumes, created by Mario Ferrari / Evelegance, Rabat, play a special role in the production. Luxurious fabrics, rich hues, and exquisite details create a true visual feast and transform every scene into a picturesque work of art.