Program / Event Details

In Russian and Ukrainian literature, Nikolai Gogol holds an equivalent place to Edgar Allen Poe, specializing in the romantic gothic horror genre; however, unlike Poe, the macabre elements are undercut by elements of humor. Gogol’s writing served as the subject for a variety of musical compositions; in this ballet, we are using Tchaikovsky’s music to present a one-act version of “Черевички” or The Little Slippers. Vakula, the blacksmith, loves the prettiest girl in the village, Oksana, but she demands better quality shoes if their courtship should go any further. Vakula falls into despair and stumbles upon a witches’ sabbath happening in the forest. He tussles with the devil (in the form of a large black cat) and ends up landing in St. Petersburg. While in St. Petersburg, Vakula asks Catherine the Great for a pair of slippers and the bemused Tsarina fulfills his request. Vakula goes back to Oksana who greets him with an open heart; she wants him, not the slippers.