The White Crow premiere: On the red carpet with Ralph Fiennes, David Hare and Oleg Ivengo

English playwright and screenwriter Sir David Hare collaborates with director and actor Ralph Fiennes to take on the remarkable story of the life of pioneering Russian ballet star Rudolf Nureyev in their new film, The White Crow.

The exceptionally talented ballet dancer Oleg Ivengo takes on the role of Rudolf. Born into poverty, the performer was snuck into his first theatre experience, an opera starring ballerina Zaituna Nazretdinova, on his mother’s single ticket. His perpetual love of dance began and after enrolling in ballet lessons at 11 years old, he went on to become one of the most accomplished male ballet dancers in the world. His charismatic and rebellious character was not without obstacles and eventually led him to seek political asylum, leaving an enduring mark on the world of dance.

It’s a classic tale that chronicles the rise of stardom and brings the world of ballet to a new audience. The film is beautifully recounted by a brilliant cast alongside Ivengo, and we see Fiennes not only direct the piece but star as the protagonist’s instructor, Alexander Pushkin. Friends Alexinsky (Olivier Rabourdin), Teja (Louis Hofmann) and Clara (Adèle Exarchopoulos) also offer strong supporting roles.

The rather distinguished Ralph Fiennes explained why he chose this particular story for an on-screen adaptation, why he felt so passionately that it should be told and what we can expect to see from the rebellious main character Nureyev.

Sir David Hare talked us through his collaboration with Ralph Fiennes, the casting process and his admiration for Fiennes’s authentic portrayal of the role.

First time actor Oleg Ivengo told us about his emotional reaction when he was offered the role of Nureyev, what it was like working with Ralph Fiennes and the influence the legendary ballerina has had on his own ballet career.

The charming Louis Hofmann talked us through his character in the film and what he feels people will take away from the movie.

The film composer Ilan Eshkeri explains to us the process of construction behind creating the musical score for the feature.

Choreographer and judge for Strictly Come Dancing, Arlene Phillips revealed to us just how influential Nureyev was on moving Ballet and dance into a more contemporary era, and the beauty of his dance partnership with Ballerina Margot Fonteyn.

Ezelle Alblas
Videos: Maria Barrios

The White Crow is released nationwide on Friday 22^nd March 2019.

Watch the trailer for The White Crow here: