SF Ballet's Eugene Onegin is bold and heartbreaking

State of play: The story follows Tatiana, who falls in love with the titular character Eugene Onegin, an aloof and emotionally unavailable aristocrat. She confesses her love to him in a passionate letter — only to be rejected.

• Years later, Tatiana, who is now married to a prince, becomes the object of Onegin's regretful desire.
• Though she still loves him, she chooses duty over rekindled passion, leaving Onegin to confront the consequences of his reckless pride and the love he once dismissed.

The big picture: It's not a tale of villains or happily-ever-after romance, but a story about missed opportunities and irreversible consequences — timeless themes that resonate today despite its 19th-century roots.

Between the lines: The $2 million production features an original score, bold, richly textured costumes and a vivid set design. Its choreography also departs from John Cranko's original interpretation.

• The movements are delicate, passionate and restrained, filled with charged moments of stillness that build emotional tension.

If you go: The show, timed at 2 hours and 19 minutes, is running through Sunday at the War Memorial Opera House.