Tiresias (ballet)

Tiresias is a ballet in three scenes, with music by Constant Lambert and choreography by Frederick Ashton. It was commissioned by the Royal Ballet, then known as the Sadler's Wells Ballet, and premiered at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, on July 9, 1951.

The ballet is based on the Greek myth of Tiresias, the Theban prophet who was transformed into a woman for seven years after separating mating snakes. The ballet explores themes of prophecy, gender, and the burden of knowledge.

Synopsis:

The ballet generally follows the narrative of the Tiresias myth. In the first scene, Tiresias is depicted as a young shepherd who witnesses and separates two mating snakes. As punishment, he is transformed into a woman. The second scene portrays Tiresias' life as a woman. The third scene sees Tiresias restored to manhood and called upon to settle a dispute between Zeus and Hera about which sex enjoys lovemaking more. Tiresias, having experienced both, answers that women derive more pleasure, enraging Hera. As punishment, Hera blinds Tiresias, while Zeus, unable to undo Hera's curse, grants him the gift of prophecy to compensate for his loss of sight. The ballet typically concludes with Tiresias embracing his destiny as a seer.

Original Cast:

• Tiresias: Michael Somes
• The Woman: Margot Fonteyn
• Zeus: John Hart
• Hera: Beryl Grey

Design:

The ballet's original set and costume designs were by Isabel Lambert, the composer's wife. The designs were known for their bold colors and stylized aesthetic, inspired by ancient Greek art.

Reception and Legacy:

Tiresias was initially met with mixed reviews. Some critics praised Ashton's choreography and Lambert's score, while others found the ballet to be too long and complex. Despite the initial mixed reaction, Tiresias has remained a notable work in Ashton's oeuvre, although it is not frequently revived. The ballet is recognized for its ambitious subject matter, its exploration of gender fluidity, and the challenging roles it provides for dancers.