The Triumph of Death (ballet)

The Triumph of Death is a ballet created by French choreographer Roland Petit in 1971. It is considered a ballet d'action, meaning it prioritizes narrative and dramatic storytelling over abstract movement.

The ballet is set to music by Arthur Honegger, specifically his Symphony No. 2, which lends itself to the work's somber and dramatic tone. The visual design, including sets and costumes, was conceived by Japanese painter Setsuko.

The Triumph of Death explores themes of mortality, existentialism, and the inevitability of death. Its narrative, while not always strictly linear, focuses on a protagonist confronted with their own demise and the reactions of those around them. The choreography utilizes a blend of classical ballet technique and more modern, expressive movements to depict the physical and emotional struggles associated with death. The ballet often features symbolic imagery, such as skeletal figures or characters representing various stages of grief and acceptance.

The ballet has been revived and performed by various companies internationally since its premiere. Its intense subject matter and visually striking design have contributed to its reputation as a significant work in the 20th-century ballet repertoire.