Petrouchka

Viac o knihe

On Shrove Tuesday, the annual Shrovetide Fair in St. Petersburg features a booth labeled 'Living Theatre.' An old magician appears, playing a haunting tune on his flute, commanding three life-size puppets to dance: the beautiful Ballerina, the powerful Moor, and the limp Petrouchka. As the performance unfolds, the audience senses something deeper than mere puppetry. The dolls, though stiff and seemingly lifeless, evoke emotions that suggest they possess their own lives and passions. Stravinsky's classic ballet has captivated audiences since Vaslav Nijinsky's debut in 1911. Petrouchka, a tragicomic figure from Russian folklore, embodies the essence of a clown—ridiculous yet profoundly human. His heart-wrenching story of longing for freedom resonates with all, making him more than just a puppet. This interpretation of the tale is vividly illustrated by renowned American artist John Collier, while Vivian Werner's lyrical text invites readers of all ages to immerse themselves in one of the most compelling narratives in twentieth-century ballet.