The Rite of Spring: A Vanished Ballet and Its Revival
Historical Context
Year and Place: Premiered on May 29th, 1913, in Paris.
Cultural Scene:
Paris was bustling with enthusiasm, with rapid changes in fashion and strides in science.
New forms of dance were gaining popularity.
Russian art and performance were becoming influential in Paris.
Key Figures
Vaslav Nijinsky: Russian dancer and choreographer known for his groundbreaking work.
Igor Stravinsky: Composer of the music for "The Rite of Spring."
Nicolas Roerich: Designer and archaeologist with an interest in primitive cultures.
Sergei Diaghilev: Impresario who introduced Russian ballet and opera to Paris.
Marie Rambert: Assisted with the choreography and danced in the ballet.
The Ballets Russes and Its Influence
Diaghilev's Role: Gathered top choreographers, composers, and painters.
Stravinsky's Early Works: "Firebird" and "Petrushka" established his fame.
Nijinsky's Innovations
First Ballet - Afternoon of a Faun (1912):
Scandalized audience with explicit content.
Criticized yet admired for originality.
Second Ballet - Jeux:
First ballet in modern dress with a complex narrative.
The Making of The Rite of Spring
Concept: Pagan ritual leading to a sacrificial dance to death.
Stravinsky's Work: Composed intensely, with music forming the foundation.
Collaboration with Eurhythmics: Helped dancers understand complex rhythms.
The Premiere and Its Aftermath
Opening Performance: May 29th, 1913, in a new theater.
Audience Reaction: Mixed, ranging from protest to physical altercations.
Performance Duration: Only four performances in Paris before moving to London.
Nijinsky's Later Life
Personal Challenges:
Married during a South American tour.
Dismissed by Diaghilev, leading to later mental health issues.
Diagnosed with schizophrenia, lived out his years in Switzerland.
Attempts to Revive The Rite of Spring
Millicent Hodson and Kenneth Archer: Focused on reconstructing Nijinsky’s choreography and Roerich’s designs.
Research and Recovery:
Collaborated with various museums and archives for original materials and designs.
Discovered and analyzed drawings, notes, and a rehearsal score.
Resurgence and Controversy
Robert Joffrey’s Role: Played a significant part in trying to revive the ballet.
Performance in 1987: Successfully restaged, yet brought new debates on authenticity.
Conclusion
Legacy: The Rite of Spring remains a controversial and influential piece in ballet history, with its revival sparking debate about authenticity and reconstruction.
Cultural Impact: Continues to be a source of fascination and study, influencing modern choreography and performance art.