Experience the tale of Sleeping Beauty like you’ve never heard it before with Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo and Jean-Christophe Maillot’s award-winning reinterpretation of the famous fairy tale this April.
From 26th to 30th April, the dancers of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo will partner with Prima Ballerina Olga Smirnova for a series of performances of La Belle, a “ferocious psychoanalytical interpretation” of Sleeping Beauty that has won numerous awards since its first conception by Jean-Christophe Maillot in 2001.
“Jean-Christophe Maillot taps into our childhood memories, fears and desires. The feats that mark Sleeping Beauty’s story mirror the rites each woman must go through throughout her life. Perrault understood this only too well, and in turn, the choreographer has managed to break through the sugar-coated casing Disney previously used in handling the tale,” says the company. “The lesser-known second half of Perrault’s story is brought to the fore, in which Sleeping Beauty awakens from her slumber and her marriage to the Prince leads on to further exploits. The second part of the fairy-tale is dark and terrifying: now Queen, the Princess and her children are threatened by her wicked stepmother, the Ogress Maleficent.”
We all know of Sleeping Beauty, but in Maillot’s creation, Maleficent is one of the most emblematic characters and “the perfect embodiment of the sheer terror contained within this story”.
“Maleficent is like a magnet, sucking in all of our fears and taboos,” says choreographer Maillot. “I created an androgynous, ambiguous being that is far from a straightforward symbol, and that might be a potential partner for Sleeping Beauty. Although the character embodies evil, evil is nevertheless difficult to define. My ballets always reject Manichaeism, the concept of evil versus good.”
Tickets are now available for the five performances, which each take place at the Salle des Princes in the Grimaldi Forum at 7.30pm, except for the finale on 30th April at 3pm. To reserve your seat, please click here.
For the full programme of upcoming events by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, please click here.
Prince Albert has cut the ribbon of the Princess Grace Hospital’s new A&E department in the presence of hospital officials and Dmitry Rybolovlev, the generous donor behind the works.
The 750m2 A&E unit is now the single point of entry for patients seeking emergency care at Monaco’s Princess Grace Hospital (CHPG).
At the launch on Tuesday 18th April, a number of hospital officials stood alongside Prince Albert and AS Monaco’s Dmitry Rybolovlev, who entirely funded the major renovations. They included Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors Caroline Rougaignon Vernin, Minister for Social Care and Health Christophe Robino, Director of the CHPG Benoîte Rousseau de Sevelinges, Head of the Emergency Department Doctor Yann-Erick Claessens and Deputy Head of the Pediatrics Department Doctor André Rousset.
“This opportunity allows us to look to the future, and to prepare for the entry into the new CHPG premises in the best conditions, while providing a concrete response to the related issues of today,” said the hospital’s director, Rousseau de Sevelinges. “It is also a significant improvement in the way we will now welcome the youngest, from birth onwards. I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Dmitry Rybolovlev, whose generosity will be immediately appreciated by the more than 30,000 adults and nearly 15,000 children treated each year in these care services.”
In the future, the unit will be transferred to the new section of the CHPG. It is a long-term project that is expected to be completely finished in 2032, although some departments will be in operation as early as 2026.
The Sainte Dévote Tournament returns this Saturday for its 11th edition, with 20 teams from 17 different countries coming together for the rugby event at the Stade Louis II.
Three different events will run throughout the day under the iconic arches of the Louis II. The main event is the international competition, contested by under-12 players from across the world. This year, 17 different nationalities will be represented from across the world, with teams from Senegal, the United Arab Emirates and Ecuador among the countries to feature.
In what is described as a “celebration of rugby”, there will be two further events taking place: the ‘Rugby For All’ tournament is an event that will offer initiations adapted to children and young adults with disabilities, while even children from the ages of two to seven can have the chance to get involved in the ‘Rugby Tots’ event.
Between 29th June and 1st July, the best show jumpers in the world will descend on the Port Hercule for this year’s edition of the Jumping International de Monte-Carlo, with a special event for the benefit of AMADE a highlight.
It is one of the biggest events of the summer for Monaco and is an incredible sight to behold as the Port Hercule is transformed into a world class arena for the very best athletes and horses from the sport of show jumping. It’s also an event close to the hearts of the Grimaldi family, who have a long equestrian tradition.
This year’s edition coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Association Mondiale des Amis de l’Enfance, AMADE, and a special event for its benefit will be taking place on the opening day of action: the Longines Pro Am Cup.
The concept was created in 2010 by Charlotte Casiraghi, formerly a keen competitor in a number of show jumping competitions worldwide. Amateurs and professionals are paired up for the Longines Pro Am Cup and each of the pairs must defend the colours of a sponsor and engage in a relay course “specially designed to allow the two riders to express themselves and to ensure a very beautiful spectacle for the spectators”.
Beginning at 9.15pm, the Longines Pro Am Cup makes for an exceptional viewing experience as the horses and their riders race beneath the falling light.
Last year, a donation of €25,000 was made at the finish line in the form of a cheque handed to Princess Caroline of Hanover, AMADE’S president, by Diane Fissore, the organiser of the Jumping International de Monte-Carlo.
For the full Jumping International de Monte-Carlo schedule, please click here.
Do you have an event in Monaco or the French Riviera that you would like us to include in our What’s On section and events calendar? Please email editor@monacolife.net.
Photo credit: LGCT
Game, set, match: Where to find the best tennis courts in and around Monaco
The Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters might be over for another year, but with spring in full swing, now’s the time to get outside and pick up the tennis racket yourself at a court in or around the Principality of Monaco.
Tennis is one of those wonderful games that can be enjoyed by people at any skill level. The kit is not extensive, nor expensive, and it only takes a few lessons to really get into the swing of things.
Here’s a list of top places in and around Monaco where you can play out your own tennis Grand Slam dreams…
Starting with the most obvious: the Monte-Carlo Country Club, the home of the Rolex Masters tournament! The facilities of the club feature 21 world-class clay courts overlooking the Mediterranean as well as two hard courts and two squash courts for those who prefer something a bit different. The club has more than just tennis too. Visitors can partake in everything from yoga to golf, snooker, swimming, bridge and even go to the state-of-the-art gym.
The rub here is that it’s a members-only club, so to gain access, players need to come as a guest or pay a rather hefty fee. But for those who have friends in high places – or are happy to foot the tab – this is an incredible spot to play.
Located in Cap d’Ail, the Tennis Club de Monaco is 260 members strong, with at least 95 players being children, making it a great place to start out in the sport.
There are four outdoor clay courts and one mini-tennis court, all lit. Yearly membership for adults runs at €363 per annum, and several other options – couples, student and elderly memberships – are also available. Non-members can reserve spaces for €40 per hour. The club is open from Monday to Friday from 8am to 8.30pm, and weekends from 8am to 7.30pm.
Founded in 1899, the Tennis Club de Beaulieu has seen a fair few balls being volleyed in its time. The club is made up of eight clay courts; six with lights for night play. Additionally, there is a restaurant, changing rooms, games room, bar and training studio, while spectators can enjoy a shaded terrace that offers views of all the courts.
The Tennis Club de Beaulieu from above. Photo: TC de Beaulieu
Notable tennis pros such as Novak Djokovic, Marion Bartoli and Alexander Zverev have played and practised at the club, so there is even the chance of seeing stars of today and tomorrow on the next court.
The club offers private and group lessons, as well as school holiday classes for children. To become a member costs €368 per year for adults under 35, and €518 for those over 35. If membership isn’t your thing, two people can use the courts for €30 per hour; doubles players for €40. If invited by a member, it’s €20.
The 500-member Tennis Club de Eze has been in the news more recently as host of padel tennis tournaments, but it also knows how to serve up a good game of tennis. Started in 1991 by ex-professional tennis player Michael Borfiga, the club has five courts; three of clay and two artificial grass.
Membership for adults is a reasonable €280 per year, with an hour’s tennis costing €30 per person. Lessons are available too.
The Villefranche-sur-Mer Tennis Club is spread over two sites: the first with four clay courts situated near the Residence Ange Gardien just before the turning to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, and the second with three clay courts on Avenue de la Barmassa.
It is 198 members strong, roughly split 50:50 between adults and children. It offers lessons and, for those not sure about making a commitment, there is equipment available to loan, as well as buy. The website has free online tutorials showing various techniques; a rather generous and valuable asset.
Players at La Turbie’s tennis club enjoy spectacular views. Photo: Tennis Club de La Turbie
The Tennis Club de La Turbie is located in the Tête de Chien complex and has views to die for. There are four courts; two of synthetic clay. Additionally, there is a locker room, club house and bar, as well as accessibility for those with reduced mobility. Childrens, beginners and group lessons are available, and equipment is provided for those who need it.
Rates are a modest €35 to €40 for adults, and spaces can be booked online via the Facebook page.
The Tennis Club de Menton was founded by English expats in 1901, making it amongst the oldest tennis clubs in Europe. It has 500 members and count many families among this number. There are eight courts, seven of which are clay and the eighth is synthetic. It regularly hosts tournaments and events, and has a restaurant on site.
Membership fees for adults are €625 per person, which includes four invitations for non-members. Special couples, part-time, student and youth rates are also available.
The Tennis Club de Menton pictured in 1919. Photo: TC de Menton
Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie have visited a postage stamp printing works in the Dordogne to see firsthand the stamps that are being produced as part of the commemorations for the centenary of Prince Rainier III.
On Monday 17th April, Prince Albert and his sister Princess Stéphanie, the president of the Prince Rainier III Commemoration Committee, travelled to the commune of Boulazac, near Périgueux in the Dordogne, where Philaposte is headquartered. It is here where the postage stamps for the Principality are produced.
After being welcomed by Prefect of the Dordogne Jean-Sébastien Lamontagne, they accepted an invitation by La Poste to witness the different stages and techniques that go into creating the commemorative stamps, including intaglio, heliogravure and offset.
The pair also signed the proofs for several stamps, in particular the series evoking the “Builder Prince” and the father of the 1962 constitution.
After lunch in the presence of the Monegasque delegation and executives from La Poste, Prince Albert and Princess Stephanie undertook a quick tour of the Saint-Front cathedral, led by the rector.
Click on the gallery below to see more images. All photos credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Palais Princier de Monaco
