Pulcinella by Richard Alston, Music by Stravinsky

Pulcinella is a neoclassical ballet that draws inspiration from the commedia dell'arte tradition and the stock character of Pulcinella, the cunning servant figure central to Italian popular theatre. Set to Stravinsky's witty and inventive score—which incorporates and reimagines themes attributed to 18th-century composers—the work celebrates theatrical mischief and physical comedy. Richard Alston's choreography channels the spirited energy of commedia dell'arte through contemporary ballet vocabulary, creating a playful dialogue between classical technique and theatrical character work. The ballet unfolds as a series of encounters and escapades, showcasing Pulcinella's scheming nature as he navigates romantic entanglements and outwits his rivals. Through sharp, precise movement and comedic timing, the work captures the essence of Stravinsky's neoclassical reinvention while honoring the anarchic spirit of its theatrical source material.