A series of programmes to mark the centenary of the composer's birth, introduced by John Drummond

The most Russian of Stravinsky's scores inspired the choreographer Mikhail Fokine to create this most Russian of ballets.
[Starring] Rodolf Nureyev as Petrushka

(Tomorrow night: The Rite of Spring)

For all ballet lovers, the chance to see Rudolf Nureyev take on the mantle of Vaslav Nijinsky in the part of Petrushka, is an opportunity not to be missed. Tonight Nureyev can be seen dancing as the tragic half-human, half-puppet. The rote was created in 1911 by Nijinsky, the first male superstar of ballet. Ever since, the part has challenged the world's leading dancers. Nureyev's interpretation is remarkably faithful to the original, but intensely personal. His magical stage presence which has often been compared with that of Nijinsky himself, gives a great power to the performance. Petrushka: 6.45