Behind the scenes - The Green Table

The German choreographer Kurt Jooss created the ballet The Green Table in 1932, but its choreography still moves and engages audiences to this day. Jooss’ initial inspiration for this magnum opus was the medieval Danse Macabre, but events in 1930s Germany soon transformed this work into an indictment against abuses of power – stressing the futility of war. We see the ‘big shots’ at a conference table, deciding the fate of soldiers and civilians; while – at the opposite end of the spectrum – the victims of war come together in a silent circle dance, led by a triumphant death.