John Cranko's Legacy at Houston Ballet
A look at John Cranko's lasting artistic impact on Houston Ballet's repertoire.
John Cranko (1927-1973)
John Cranko, born in Rustenburg, South Africa, trained in dance at UCT and London’s Sadler’s Wells School. He joined Sadler’s Wells Ballet in 1946 and debuted his first full-length ballet, The Prince of the Pagodas, in 1957. He was appointed director of Stuttgart Ballet in 1961.
The Lady and the Fool (1986) by Jim Caldwell and John CrankoHouston Ballet
The Lady and the Fool
Houston Ballet’s 1978 American premiere of The Lady and the Fool tells of a masked beauty who rejects her hollow high-society life after falling for a clown. With John Cranko’s tender choreography and Verdi’s music, it’s a touching ballet about love, identity, and freedom.
Onegin (2008) by Amitava Sarkar and John CrankoHouston Ballet
Onegin
Houston Ballet’s 2005 production of Onegin, choreographed by John Cranko, brought Pushkin’s timeless tale to life with dramatic flair. Set to Tchaikovsky’s music, it featured lush designs, emotional depth, and showcased the company’s powerful storytelling through dance.
The Taming of the Shrew (2015) by Amitava Sarkar and John CrankoHouston Ballet
The Taming of the Shrew
Houston Ballet premiered The Taming of the Shrew in 2011, choreographed by John Cranko with music by Kurt Heinz-Stolze after Scarlatti. This witty, vibrant ballet brings Shakespeare’s brings Shakespeare’s fiery battle of the sexes to life with wit and romance.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.