Catch Portugal’s award-winning Quorum Dance Company as they bring their stunning modern twist to Romeo & Juliet—think razor-sharp choreography, Prokofiev’s epic score, and a fresh take on Shakespeare’s classic. Known for their emotional intensity and technical brilliance, this is contemporary dance at its finest.

Marking their 20th anniversary, Portugal’s acclaimed "six-star" dance troupe returns to Shanghai with a bold, contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. Following their celebrated adaptations of Swan Lake and The Rite of Spring, the award-winning Quorum Dance Company—hailed as "Portugal’s Best Contemporary Dance Ensemble"—brings their signature precision and emotional intensity to Romeo & Juliet, set to Prokofiev’s iconic score.

Under the visionary choreography of Artistic Director Daniel Cardoso, this production interrogates love’s blinding power in a self-obsessed era, blending classical ballet technique with raw modern physicality. Performed to a recording by André Previn and the London Symphony Orchestra, the 110-minute work (with intermission) promises what European Dance Magazine called "a consummate night of performance art."

About the Production

Cardoso, a Martha Graham-trained choreographer and former principal with Denmark’s Peter Schaufuss Ballet, recontextualizes the star-crossed lovers’ saga through a lens of modern social fragmentation. The staging features costumes by Maria Monte and minimalist set design by Cardoso and Hugo F. Matos, distilling the drama to its visceral essentials.

Company Background

Founded in 2005, Lisbon-based Quorum has toured 18 countries with 70+ works, collaborating with international choreographers like China’s Xie Xin. Their The Rite of Spring (co-created with Xie) premiered at SOAC, while VOZ commemorated Portugal’s Carnation Revolution.

Creative Team

• Choreography: Daniel Cardoso
• Dramaturgy: Ana Lázaro
• Music: Sergei Prokofiev
• Costumes: Maria Monte
• Set/Lighting: Cardoso & Hugo F. Matos