Spartacus, the story of a Roman slave's fight for freedom, is one of the great epic adventure stories. Yuri Grigorovich's choreography fills the huge Bolshoi stage with dynamic scenes of tension and conflict, which give full expression to the virility and strength for which Russia's male dancers are renowned.

Irek Mukhamedov brings to the title role a conviction and assurance made possible only by prodigious technique. His partner is Natalya Bessmertnova, supple and expressive in the love scenes, intensely moving in her final grief.