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91Èȱ¬ Two broadcasts feature-length documentary revealing Nureyev's early career in Russia
As the outstanding male dancer of his generation, Rudolf Nureyev revolutionised the world of classical ballet. He leapt to world attention with his dramatic defection from the Soviet Union in 1961, and went on to become one of the most photographed men of the 20th century.
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But little has been known of his early career in Russia, and for a long time no film was believed to exist of him dancing on the stage of the Kirov Theatre. A revealing new documentary Nureyev: From Russia With Love, to be broadcast on 91Èȱ¬ Two on 22 September 2007 at 9pm, changes this.
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It explores the little-known story of his years as a ballet student in Leningrad, and then his three years as a soloist with the Kirov and demonstrates that, before the West had ever heard of him, Nureyev had achieved star status – on account of both his artistry and his rebellious character.
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And it screens, for the first time, extraordinary cine-camera footage of him on and off stage in Leningrad.
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Narrated by Kenneth Cranham, the documentary features compelling interviews with Nureyev's friends and colleagues who conjure up the character and artistry of the dancer in his late teens and early twenties.
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It tells the new story of his infatuation with East German ballet student Teja Kremke (a relationship discovered by Julie Kavanagh in her forthcoming biography of Nureyev), who encouraged his "blood-brother" to leave the USSR in pursuit of a career on the world stage.
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Teja filmed Nureyev performing on the stage, sometimes from the wings, sometimes from a stalls seat behind the conductor, and this material is broadcast as part of the documentary featuring scenes from Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Laurencia and The Sleeping Beauty.
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The film also features an intensely dramatic account of Nureyev's defection at Le Bourget Airport outside Paris in June 1961, when the dancer outwitted his KGB escorts to secure political asylum with the help of the French police.
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One of his close friends is filmed returning to Le Bourget for the first time since that day. He re-traces their steps and recalls the incident in what is an emotive and chilling narrative of Nureyev's escape from the Soviet Union.
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The documentary then describes the psychological battle waged without success by the Soviet authorities to induce Nureyev to return to his homeland, and counts the human cost of his defection – both for him and the friends he had left behind. It was to be 26 years before he stepped once again on Russian soil.
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Also featured in the documentary are highlights from some of his greatest filmed performances in the West, including The Sleeping Beauty (1961 and 1977); Giselle (1962); The Nutcracker (1962); Gayaneh (1963); Bach Fantasia (1963); Le Corsaire (1964); Romeo And Juliet (1965); Swan Lake (1966); Don Quixote (1972); Marguerite And Armand (1979); and Pierrot Lunaire (1979).
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Notes to Editors
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Nureyev: From Russia With Love is written and produced by John Bridcut, who previously wrote and produced Britten's Children for 91Èȱ¬ Two (2004), and directed documentaries on Roald Dahl and Elgar for the 91Èȱ¬ One series Imagine.
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Nureyev: From Russia With Love features new material which is at the heart of a forthcoming biography by Julie Kavanagh, Rudolf Nureyev: The Life (published 27 September).
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Broadcast details can be subject to change so please check for most current information.
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CF2
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