BRB - Stravinsky: the real deal - Petrushka | Le Baiser de la fée | Card Game

BRB continues to celebrate Igor Stravinsky's unique musical contribution to the world of ballet with three vividly contrasting works, including the long-awaited revival of two works the Company hasn't performed since its early years in Birmingham, and the world premiere of a new ballet by Michael Corder.

Petrushka

Since the Ballets Russes' 1911 premiere, Petrushka has remained an anarchic force on stages around the world. In Fokine's ballet all the wild fun of the Butter Week Fair in St Petersburg floods the stage, and unruly Petrushka is soon creating havoc. Then, one wooden step too far, this harlequin meets a very mortal end – but there's spirit in the old doll yet.

Le Baiser de la fée

BRB’s homage to composer Igor Stravinsky boasts another coup for 2008, with a brand-new version of Le Baiser de la fée by choreographer Michael Corder. This beautiful ballet breathes life into Hans Christian Andersen's chilling fairy tale The Ice Maiden. Enthralled by a child lost in the mountains, the Ice Maiden gives him a kiss – one that he will never escape.

Card Game

In Card Game, Stravinsky, himself a keen poker player, plays with allegiances, rivalries and power. John Cranko's witty choreography entered The Royal Ballet repertory in 1966. In this modern classic, the sly Joker banishes the proud Queen, the Two, Three, Four, Five and Six strike a straight flush, and little Two of Diamonds tries to spoil everyone's fun.