NYCB Vol. 17 No. 7 - Prodigal Son - Suzanne Farrell

Suzanne Farrell in her autobiography Holding on to the Air:

"Prodigal Son tells the story of the fall and redemption of the biblical character, and its recent revival had provided Edward Villella with one of the greatest roles of his career. I asked Mr. B if I might dance the Siren who lures the Prodigal Son into the depths of greedy sensuality, a part originally designed for my beloved teacher Mme. Doubrovska. I was curious to explore a darker, more earthy role. Because at one point the Siren has to walk on her knees, Mr. B was concerned that the role might be a physical strain on me, but my knees were fine; I danced the ballet without injury.

"Before performance one evening I was warming up with my leg on the barre in arabesque when George walked by. He asked how I was feeling, and I said, 'Fine, but my back feels stiff and I can't seem to get a decent arabesque...' Then I realized that the Siren doesn't have any arabesques, which is unusual considering that this is one of ballet's most commonly used positions. Looking at me with a straight face, Mr. B said, 'Yes, she just wasn't an arabesque kind of lady.' Indeed, none of her movements is directed behind her; all are in front of her or underneath her where she is in diabolical control."

Photos by Martha Swope.

Photos by Martha Swope.

Photos by Bill Eppridge, 1969

LIFE Magazine

Photos by Bill Eppridge, 1969

LIFE Magazine