Bel-Ami

First premiere, first intermission: A small crowd has formed in the stalls, in front of row 12 of the Leipzig Opera House. "Bon soir," "Hello," "Hola" echo back and forth, people are in each other's arms, friends greet each other. "Long time no see, comment ça va?" A head sticks out slightly above the others — a radiant smile on his face. Rémy Fichet seems relaxed, even a touch elated. The performance isn't over yet, but there's no doubt about it: it's working. With a sure instinct, the new ballet director has captivated the Leipzig audience by having the young American choreographer Lauren Lovette perform a catchy classic — et voilà, it's a splendid start. So splendid that an hour and a half later, after the tragic end of Romeo und Julia, less than five seconds pass before the entire hall ...