The Little Humpbacked Horse

About

Rodion Shchedrin’s ballet The Little Humpbacked Horse deftly balances fairy‑tale allure for children with an ironic, adult‑minded reinterpretation. Maxim Isaev’s lavish, stylish sets and costumes amplify the score’s vivid color, mischief, and life‑affirming spirit, written by the young Shchedrin while still a student. Since its 1960 Bolshoi premiere, the work has inspired contrasting stagings—from Alexander Radunsky’s traditional fairy‑tale approach (1960) to Igor Belsky’s sharply satirical take (1963). This production (Mariinsky premiere 2009; Primorsky Stage premiere 2018) continues that tradition of renewing a classic tale for today. Shchedrin later acknowledged the piece’s youthful naivety and imperfections, yet prized its sincerity, honesty, and enthusiasm, dedicating the score to Maya Plisetskaya.