MARIINSKY BALLET: ALEXEI RATMANSKY'S THE LITTLE HUMPBACKED HORSE (KONYOK-GORBUNOK)

For its annual engagement, the legendary Mariinsky brings Alexei Ratmansky's charming contemporary take on the classic Russian fairy tale in a D.C. premiere showcasing plenty of personality, humor, and creativity with a score by Rodion Shchedrin.

MARIINSKY BALLET

Valery Gergiev, Artistic Director of the Mariinsky Theatre

Yuri Fateev, Deputy Director of the Ballet Company

THE LITTLE HUMPBACKED HORSE

(Konyok-Gorbunok)

Music by Rodion Shchedrin

Choreography by Alexei Ratmansky

Libretto by Maxim Isaev after the tale of Pyotr Yershov

Set and costume design by Maxim Isaev

Lighting design by Damir Ismagilov

with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra

"Fresh as a daisy… bubbling over with high spirits"

--The New York Times

"Ratmansky's emotional touch is sure… two hours of glorious dance!"

--The Guardian

Mariinsky Ballet is legendary for championing the grand Russian tradition--Swan Lake and last season's Raymonda are shining examples--and now for its 15th consecutive season at the Kennedy Center, the company reveals its equally impressive talents for re-interpreting classic stories with a 21st-century sensibility in this exciting D.C. premiere.

Alexei Ratmansky, "perhaps the greatest ballet storyteller today" (The Washington Post), brings his charming take on The Little Humpbacked Horse, whisking audiences into a deeply Russian fairy tale world about a young boy's fantastical adventures with a magical horse. Merging the best of Imperial classicism with his trademark flair for the fresh and new, Ratmansky offers a production that revels in virtuoso performances, corps de ballet majesty, and vibrant folk dances alongside pop culture–inspired designs, clever humor, and Russian composer Rodion Shchedrin's modernist 1960 score.

Teeming with bright colors, vividly drawn characters, and expressive choreography, this heartwarming production is also the perfect ballet for everyone in the family to share together--and discover a beautiful, beloved story from Russia's rich national heritage.

https://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/event/BRBSG