Spartacus

The Synopsis of the «Spartacus» Ballet

Act 1

Rome
Slaves
Captivity
Uprising
Freedom

The powerful Rome of the 1st century BC conquers new territories and peoples. Having seized great amount of spoils of war and slaves, with another victory, the legions of the Roman Consul Crassus are returning to Rome. Among the enchained slaves are the Thracian king Spartacus and his wife Phrygia. The gently loving married couple is separated. Horrible lot is prepared for them. Phrygia, turned to slavery, has to become one of Crassus’s concubines; Spartacus has to become one of gladiators in order to die in life-death fight, amusing the Roman nobles. Rebellious and freedom-loving Spartacus calls up the slaves for uprising.

Act 2

Feast of Crassus
Phrygia
Victory of Spartacus

On the occasion of victory Crassus has invited in his palace the Roman patricians. The guests are amusing themselves, enjoying the atrocious scenes of gladiators' fights, who have to fight blindfold. Has the arena been hardly cleared from dead bodies, it fills with slave-dancers. Among them is Phrygia. When the orgy reaches the climax, all of a sudden Spartacus, leading a group of rebels, bursts into the palace. In panic Crassus and his guests escape, running away they swear to take revenge. The insurgent people are exulting! They won back the long-awaited freedom.

Act 3

Crassus
Spartacus
Separation
Freedom or Death Requiem

Having gathered considerable forces, Crassus pursues the rebellious slaves. The troops of Spartacus, weakened by defeats in unequal battles, by inner discords and betrayals, can't stand up against well-equipped Roman army. The Revolt is doomed to a failure, but faithful brothers-in-arms stay with Spartacus till the very tragic end, choosing dearth over slavery.