Ballet
Spartacus
Spartacus is a big, muscular, heroic ballet about a slave who leads a revolt against Rome. It is powered by Khachaturian's thundering score and famous for its athletic leaps and all-male battle scenes. If you think ballet cannot be action-packed, this one will change your mind.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Aram Khachaturian
- Choreographer
- Yuri Grigorovich (the famous 1968 Bolshoi version)
- Premiere
- 1956 (original); the celebrated Grigorovich version premiered in 1968 at the Bolshoi
- Structure
- Three acts
- Running time
- About 2 hours 30 minutes with intervals
The story
The Thracian warrior Spartacus is captured and enslaved by the Roman general Crassus. He leads a rebellion of fellow slaves and wins early victories, sharing tender moments with his love, Phrygia. In the end the revolt is crushed and Spartacus is killed, but he dies a hero, mourned by Phrygia in a famous final lament.
What Spartacus is famous for
- Khachaturian's powerful score
- huge athletic jumps for the men
- its heroic slave-revolt story
- the Bolshoi's signature staging
Companies that perform Spartacus
Spartacus is in the repertoire of companies including Bolshoi Ballet.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spartacus a good ballet for people who think ballet is boring?
Very much so. It is one of the most action-packed, athletic ballets, full of battles and soaring jumps, so it often wins over first-timers.
Who composed Spartacus?
Aram Khachaturian composed the score, and Yuri Grigorovich's 1968 version for the Bolshoi is the most famous staging.
What is Spartacus about?
It tells the story of the enslaved gladiator Spartacus, who leads a revolt against Rome, based on the ancient historical figure.
Who composed Spartacus?
Spartacus was composed by Aram Khachaturian.
How long is Spartacus?
Spartacus runs about 2 hours 30 minutes with intervals.