Episode 90 – Spartacus, the Ballet

The Partial Historians

We’re
turning 90 and it’s time for a special episode on the reception of
Spartacus! What better way to do this than to examine the history of
Spartacus, the ballet. Dr Rad is our expert on the ground on all
things Spartacus and reception. Dr G brings a wild curiosity and a
small knowledge of ballet.

So how
does a famous freedom fighter like Spartacus end up with his own
ballet? We consider the major notes of Spartacus’ story that have
come down to us from the ancient material as the first step in
tracing his reception.

The Reception of Spartacus Beyond America

The
ballet takes us on a journey beyond the reception of Spartacus in
America. Kubrick’s seminal 1960 film
is based on Howard Fast’s 1951 novel – a Hollywood production based
on an American novel sets the scene for a very particular reception
of Spartacus. But the ballet couldn’t be more different. The origins
of the ballet come from Stalinist Russia.

A Little Context

The
communist and socialist connections to Spartacus resonate with ideas
such as seeking community amongst the oppressed and fighting for
freedom from authoritarian or monarchical rule. Marx, Lenin, and the
political movements in Europe in the early twentieth century,
position Spartacus as a much relied upon symbol for the freedoms
people sought from current leaders.

The
Spartakusbund was a Marxist movement
during the first World War, although its legacy falls foul of Lenin.
While the Spartakiade was the name given to the Soviet Union’s
version of the Olympics. Dr Rad explores the dangers of the
misinterpreting Spartacus’ story in Stalinist Russia and this leads
us squarely to the ballet.

Let’s Get Our Dancing Shoes On

Spartacus
(«Спартак», Spartak),
the 1954 ballet is the creation of Aram Khachaturian. He was born in
Georgia, studied at the Conservatorium in Moscow, and went on to
composer a variety of film scores. In 1948, Khachaturian found
himself on the wrong side of the regime with his music described as
“decadent” and “bourgeois”. Spartacus plays a
role in Khachaturian’s rehabilitation.

Join us as we explore all the details including the recent production by the Australian Ballet that Dr Rad had the great fortune to see!

Episode 90 – Spartacus, the Ballet

Spartacus at the Bolshoi in Moscow, October 2013.
Image credit: Bengt Nyman via Wikimedia Commons