1:00pm - Saturday, August 29, 2026

Great Performances

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The Magic of Nureyev #5111

PBS SoCal Encore

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An incredible 89 curtain calls provide an enduring testament to the ballet history that was written at the Vienna State Opera on October 15, 1964. The event was a performance of Swan Lake choreographed by Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev, who also took on the lead male role of the Prince; his partner was the great British prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn. In his novel interpretation of this iconic favorite of classical ballet, Nureyev revolutionized the role of the male dancer, seeking to be Fonteyn's equal counterpart. This fascinating behind the scenes film features extensive excerpts from the legendary production, which was captured for posterity two years after its 1964 stage premiere. In new interviews, dancers Michael Birkmeyer and Gisela Cech, who danced alongside Nureyev at the premiere of Swan Lake, share personal insights on Nureyev's peerless virtuosity as well as his mercurial off-stage personality, while contemporary experts look back at Nureyev groundbreaking technique from a modern-day perspective.

Broadcast In: English Duration: 0:55:47
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Additional Airings

10:00pm, 09/24/2026 | PBS SoCal Encore
4:00am, 09/26/2026 | PBS SoCal Encore
10:00am, 09/26/2026 | PBS SoCal Encore

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Calendar Great Performances: The Magic of Nureyev (PBS SoCal Encore) An incredible 89 curtain calls provide an enduring testament to the ballet history that was written at the Vienna State Opera on October 15, 1964. The event was a performance of Swan Lake choreographed by Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev, who also took on the lead male role of the Prince; his partner was the great British prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn. In his novel interpretation of this iconic favorite of classical ballet, Nureyev revolutionized the role of the male dancer, seeking to be Fonteyn's equal counterpart. This fascinating behind the scenes film features extensive excerpts from the legendary production, which was captured for posterity two years after its 1964 stage premiere. In new interviews, dancers Michael Birkmeyer and Gisela Cech, who danced alongside Nureyev at the premiere of Swan Lake, share personal insights on Nureyev's peerless virtuosity as well as his mercurial off-stage personality, while contemporary experts look back at Nureyev groundbreaking technique from a modern-day perspective. http://proweb.myersinfosys.com/koce/airlist/15330/detail.ics