This November, Istanbul State Opera and Ballet stages Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) on Taksim Square. The production has original choreography by Ricardo Amarante, created for the company’s dancers, and runs on 5, 11, 12 and 14 November, with one more performance on 5 December 2026. For guests staying in Beyoğlu, it is an easy way to add a ballet performance to their Istanbul itinerary.
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Romeo and Juliet Ballet Istanbul 2026: What to Expect
The ballet tells Shakespeare’s story of two young lovers from feuding families in two acts, set to Prokofiev’s dramatic score. According to the AKM event page, the Istanbul production features original choreography created by Ricardo Amarante especially for the dancers of Istanbul State Opera and Ballet. The conductor is Zdravko Lazarov, with set design by Ferhat Karakaya, costumes by Serdar Başbuğ and lighting by Önder Arık. The performance lasts about 140 minutes.
About Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet
Sergei Prokofiev (1891–1953) wrote Romeo and Juliet in the 1930s, and it has become one of the most often staged story ballets in the world. Its music is known well beyond the theatre, especially the powerful “Dance of the Knights”. As a ballet, the story is told without words, through dance and music. Knowledge of Turkish is not required to enjoy the performance.
Dates, Venue and Tickets
- Thursday, 5 November 2026: 20:00
- Wednesday, 11 November 2026: 20:00
- Thursday, 12 November 2026: 20:00
- Saturday, 14 November 2026: 15:00
- Saturday, 5 December 2026: 15:00
- Venue: AKM Türk Telekom Opera Hall, Taksim Square, Beyoğlu
- Company: Istanbul State Opera and Ballet
- Choreography: Ricardo Amarante · Conductor: Zdravko Lazarov
- Duration: about 140 minutes, two acts
- Event information: official AKM event page
- Tickets: for tickets and availability, see Sanat Cepte
All times are Istanbul time. AKM asks guests to be at the door with their ticket at least one hour before the start, and late entry is not permitted once the performance has started. Recording is prohibited, and AKM’s published rules also prohibit bringing recording devices into the venue. You can find more upcoming performances on our Istanbul events page.
Staying in Beyoğlu for Romeo and Juliet
Faik Pasha Hotels is in Çukurcuma, Beyoğlu, the same district as AKM. Set in four historic 19th-century buildings, we offer rooms furnished with antiques, as well as suites and apartments with kitchens. Homemade breakfast is served in the courtyard. You can compare all options on our room types page.
Before and After the Ballet
AKM stands on Taksim Square, where İstiklal Avenue begins. The Saturday matinées at 15:00 leave the evening free for dinner in Beyoğlu, and during your stay you can explore Çukurcuma’s antique shops and cafés.
Practical Tips
- Be at the door with your ticket at least one hour before the start, as AKM asks; late entry is not permitted.
- Two of the performances are Saturday matinées at 15:00; check the time on your ticket.
- Check ticket availability on Sanat Cepte before you travel.
- Taksim metro station (M2) is at Taksim Square.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Romeo and Juliet at AKM?
On 5, 11 and 12 November 2026 at 20:00, on 14 November at 15:00 and on 5 December 2026 at 15:00, in the Türk Telekom Opera Hall of the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) on Taksim Square.
Who is performing?
Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, with choreography by Ricardo Amarante and conductor Zdravko Lazarov.
Do I need to speak Turkish to enjoy it?
No. It is a ballet, so the story is told through dance and Prokofiev’s music.
Where can I buy tickets?
Ticket information and availability are on Sanat Cepte.
Where is Faik Pasha Hotels in relation to AKM?
Both are in the Beyoğlu district: the hotel is in Çukurcuma and AKM is on Taksim Square.
How can I book a stay for the ballet?
Send us your travel dates and number of guests on WhatsApp or by email, and we will check availability for you.
Planning to attend? Contact us on WhatsApp or by email with your travel dates and number of guests to check availability and book your stay directly.
WhatsApp +90 530 025 66 43reservations@faikpashahotels.com
Featured image: Romeo and Juliet ballet (Serbian National Theatre). Photo: Miomir Polzović / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, resized. Photos in this article are illustrative and are not from the Istanbul production.