The Firebird / Petrushka ballet diptych is an homage to Igor Stravinsky, one of the greatest composers of all time, and to the groundbreaking Ballets Russes movement founded by Sergei Diaghilev, which played a crucial role in shaping ballet at the turn of the 20th century and still echoes today. This production's outstanding value is rooted in the daring and original synthesis of two distinct poetic styles of the renowned choreographers Maša Kolar and Edward Clug, each providing their unique interpretations of timeless Russian folk tales. Both ballets are marked by an innovative reinterpretation of the canonical ballet work and unconventional musical scores, into which the choreographers have woven their unique signatures and hallmarks of modernity while still acknowledging the contribution of the often-neglected Mikhail Fokine, who choreographed both pieces in the 1910s.
Maša Kolar presents a fresh interpretation of the Russian fairy tale of the mystical Firebird, refining the narrative into a concentrated concept incorporating Stravinsky’s 1919 suite, an abstract rendition of the ballet’s original score. The result is a new tale with abstract elements and a redefined balance of power between the birds and Prince Ivan, who stumbles into a magical garden in the middle of the night. This interpretation of The Firebird underscores the dominance of the creature over the prince, who ultimately surrenders himself entirely to her.
Edward Clug’s new take on Petrushka challenges the original, the legacy of Fokine and Stravinsky, and the heritage of the Ballets Russes, enriching it with his vision. The result is a ballet characterised by sophisticated aesthetics and powerful treatment of colours, recalling the spirit of the Ballets Russes with its visual and dance elements. Clug is preoccupied with the universality of the story about an ill-fated puppet who, consumed by love and lust for the unfaithful Ballerina, sacrifices his lifeless existence. The story strikingly mirrors today's world, where the ignorance of living puppets often surrounds the individual.
The ballet The Firebird / Petrushka received the “Tito Strozzi” Award in the 2024/2025 season. Mattia Baccon received the “Oskar Harmoš” Award for the title role in the ballet Petrushka, as well as for his outstanding interpretative achievements throughout the repertoire of the Ballet of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb during the same season.
