Le Corsaire
“A tale that lets the dancers shine” – Svenska Dagbladet
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PLAYS:Sept 5 - Oct 2, 2026
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RUNNING TIME:Approx. 2 hrs incl. interval
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STAGE:Main stage
Join us for a classic ballet tale of passion, jealousy and adventure. Le Corsaire is a full-length ballet in which the Royal Swedish Ballet delivers large ensemble numbers and intimate duets between the pirate Conrad and his beloved Medora.
Based on Lord Byron’s poem The Corsair, the ballet premièred in Paris in 1856. Experience the timeless drama 170 years later with updated choreography by Paris Opera’s Dance Director José Martinez. A colourful, fast-paced dance drama featuring pointework and pirates that sails straight into the heart.
Discover the full story
What really happens in Le Corsaire?
Follow the adventures over the seas. Find our summary of the ballet's plot here.
Introductions
Ahead of all performances on the main stage a free introduction to the piece for tickets holders takes place in the Golden Foyer 45 minutes before the performance starts!
Performance images
Le Corsaire - trailer
Love, vulnerability, longing for freedom, and fighting for justice. Le Corsaire is an epic whole-evening ballet in the classic tradition. A masterpiece often presented in the form of short extracts. The Royal Swedish Ballet here takes on the full version.
Le Corsaire - trailer
Le Corsaire - Premiere Talk
Meet the creators behind Le Corsaire, a new version created especially for the Royal Swedish Ballet. Dramaturge Katarina Aronsson meets choreographer José Martinez (also artistic director of the Paris Opera Ballet) and set and costume designer Marie í Dali.
Le Corsaire - Premiere Talk
En pointe - podcast
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Cast
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Music & creative team
CHOREOGRAPHY José Martinez, after Marius Petipa
MUSIC Adolphe Adam, Cesare Pugni, Léo Delibes, Riccardo Drigo (arr. Alexei Baklan)
LIBRETTO Vernoy De Saint Georges and Joseph Mazilier, after Lord Byron
CONDUCTOR Catherine Larsen-Maguire
SET & COSTUME DESIGN Marie ì Dali
LIGHT Ellen Ruge
VIDEO DESIGN Johannes Ferm Winkler
Cast subject to change.
Your visit to the Opera
Frequently asked questions
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At what time do I have to be at the Opera before the performance?
We recommend that you arrive at least half an hour before the performance begins. If you can arrive earlier, it's even better: 45 minutes before the start of the performance, there is a free audience introduction in the Golden Foyer - an excellent way to approach the performance! Please note that once the performance has started, no one will be allowed into the hall until after the first intermission.
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It's my first time at the Opera - what do I do?
We have put together some useful tips for your visit. Otherwise, our best advice is to arrive on time - discover the Opera House, leave your coat in the cloakroom, eat or drink something. AND, ask our ushers - they'll be happy to help! Outerwear and bags should be left in the cloakroom for safety and evacuation reasons.
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Can my ticket be rebooked or cancelled if I or someone in my party is ill?
You can rebook tickets yourself on the website up to 24 hours before the start of the performance within the the current season. Tickets cannot be cancelled (read more in our general terms and conditions).
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Can you eat and drink at the Opera?
Of course you can! Our partner Restaurang Grodan is on the ground floor facing Strömgatan - take the opportunity to book a table ahead of your visit! Each floor also has a service with drinks and snacks, at the stalls' café there is a slightly larger selection. We advice you to pre-book the intermission service so it is ready and waiting for you during the interval!
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