Ballet
The Green Table
The Green Table is a powerful anti war ballet by Kurt Jooss, and it still feels striking today. It uses a mix of ballet and modern dance to show how conflict affects ordinary people. This one is more serious and thought provoking than a fairy tale ballet.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Fritz Cohen
- Choreographer
- Kurt Jooss
- Premiere
- 1932, Paris
- Structure
- One act in eight scenes
- Running time
- About 35 minutes
The story
The ballet opens and closes with masked figures arguing around a long green table, standing in for politicians and diplomats. Between these scenes, a figure of Death moves through a series of pictures of war. Death takes soldiers, a young girl, an old woman, and others, showing how conflict reaches everyone. The eight scenes together form a strong message about the cost of war. It is danced in a blend of ballet and modern movement rather than a classical fairy tale style.
What The Green Table is famous for
- a landmark anti war ballet
- the masked figures at the table
- the powerful figure of Death
- a blend of ballet and modern dance
Companies that perform The Green Table
The Green Table is in the repertoire of companies including The Tokyo Ballet.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Green Table about?
It is an anti war ballet that shows how conflict, led by figures around a negotiating table, brings suffering to ordinary people.
Is it a classical fairy tale ballet?
No, it is a serious modern work that blends ballet and modern dance and carries a strong message.
When was it created?
It premiered in 1932 in Paris, choreographed by Kurt Jooss.
Who composed The Green Table?
The Green Table was composed by Fritz Cohen.
How long is The Green Table?
The Green Table runs about 35 minutes.