Prodigal Son

Bradley Schlagheck, Yury Yanowsky and Sabi Varga by Rosalie O'Connor

Music	Sergei Prokofiev
Choreography	George Balanchine ©The George Balanchine Trust
Premiere Date	Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, Théâtre Sarah-Bernhardt, Paris, May 21, 1929
Costumes	Georges Ronault
Lighting	John Cuff
ScenicDesigner	Georges Ronault
Run Time	2 hours including 2 intermissions
George Balanchine’s Prodigal Son, one of his few narrative ballets, was choreographed for the Ballets Russes in 1928. It is based on the Biblical tale of the rebellious son who leaves his father’s home to find adventure in the wider world, only to return after experiencing the cruelties of humankind. The ballet features powerful dancing and highly dramatic lead roles. It maintains the central theme of the parable, with dancing reminiscent of the Russian tradition. Prodigal Son conveys the moral of the parable in the Gospel of St. Luke and emphasizes the themes of sin and redemption. Prodigal Son was one of the first Balanchine ballets to achieve international recognition.