Uncover the mystery behind the powerful woman who rede ned history in Louisville Ballet’s Cleopatra: Queen of Kings. Choreographed by Erica De La O and produced by Roger Creel, Cleopatra: Queen of Kings is the fourth installment in Louisville Ballet’s partnership with Kentucky Shakespeare’s Festival in Central Park and runs July 31 – August 4, 8:00 PM, on Louisville’s Central Park stage. All performances are free to the public.

“As a female artist of color, I search for ways to tell the stories of powerful female leaders who challenged patriarchal norms,” said Erica De La O, Choreographer and Louisville Ballet company dancer. “It is inspiring to tell the story of a woman who made history because of her intelligence, political skill, and inner strength.”

The ballet is set to an original score composed and performed by acclaimed Kentucky composer Scott Moore and expands Louisville Ballet’s existing partnership with the vibrant Step community in Louisville, showcasing ten award-winning step dancers from Western Middle School, with step choreography created by Chris Malone and Antae Dickerson.

Staged in two acts, Cleopatra: Queen of Kings tells the true story of an Egyptian princess who outwits the best and the brightest of the Roman Empire while dodging the slings and arrows of her murderous siblings. Discover the drive and ambition behind the woman willing to sacri ce everything for her country and people – even her own life. Audiences will recognize elements of both Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and Antony & Cleopatra, but on all counts, this production is more historically accurate due to modern scholarship.

Cleopatra: Queen of Kings reunites Creel and Moore, whom have previously worked on three other ballets for Kentucky Shakespeare’s Festival in Central Park: William’s Folly (2016), Lady Lear (2017), and Tempest (2018). Lauded as “exceptionally talented” by LEO Weekly, the duo excel at “complex layers of thought, plot, ideas and themes, … and exhilarating movement” (Eli Keel, Insider Louisville).

The production will run approximately ninety minutes with one intermission. Pre-show entertainment is hosted by Louisville Ballet’s Community Engagement department and will include performances by The Louisville Ballet School students and pre-show talks with the artistic team.