1911, Paris
Choreography: Fokine
Music: Stravinsky
It is Butterweek Fair in St. Petersburg, Russia. A Showman is there, with three lifesize puppets-a Ballerina, a Moor, and a clown called Petrushka. They perform for the crowds.
When the show is over and the puppets are back in their booths, the Ballerina makes fun of Petrushka and the Showman ill-treats him. In his frustration, Petrushka beats his fists on the wall of his booth.
The Ballerina visits the Moor, followed by the jealous Petrushka. The Moor chases Petrushka out of the booth and strikes him with a scimitar. To the crowd's horror, Petrushka appears to bleed, but the Showman lifts up the limp body and shows them it is only a puppet, leaking sawdust.
As night falls and the Fair closes, the ghost of Petrushka rises above the sideshow, taunting the Showman.
