Nureyev

UNITED STATES PREMIERE  |  Experience a live performance capture of the multi-award-winning ballet Nureyev, choreographed by Yuri Possokhov (San Francisco Ballet Choreographer in Residence) in collaboration with stage director Kirill Serebrennikov, with a score by composer Ilya Demutsky. 

The production blends ballet, opera, and drama into a sweeping homage to one of the 20th century’s greatest dancers, tracing his rise in the Soviet Union, his dramatic defection to the West, his open expression of his homosexuality, and his enduring influence on Western ballet.

The ballet premiered at Russia’s Bolshoi Theatre in 2017 to widespread acclaim, but was permanently removed from its repertoire in 2022 under Russia’s expanded “gay propaganda” law. Staged by Staatsballett Berlin in 2026, marking the first time Nureyev had been performed outside of Russia, this live performance capture brings that landmark production to the screen.

Following the screening, join Nureyev stage director Kirill Serebrenikov, composer Ilya Demutsky, and co-stager Dana Genshaft for a live Q&A moderated by SFDFF Artistic Director Garen Scribner.

VIP ticket holders are invited to stay after the screening for a reception with the artists.