A 1001 Ballets to See Before You Die
“Chout” or in English "The Tale of the Buffoon who Outwits Seven Other Buffoons” is the first ballet that renowned composer Prokofiev completed. Which is why it earns a spot on this list.
However the story is quite dark, based upon an old Russian folktale by the same name. Veering wildly from over the top slapstick to disturbing scenes of violence, it’s inconstant tone and taboo subject matter has not made it very popular.
The story involves seven buffoons who all murder their wives after being told by an eighth buffoon that he has killed his own wife and brought her back to life with a magic whip and promises to do the same for them. When he fails to deliver on his promise, the other buffoons seek revenge. The principal buffoon is forced to disguise himself as a woman and is chosen for marriage by a wealthy merchant. He escapes after swindling the merchant out of 300 roubles.
If you like black comedies or uncensored grim fairy tales this might be for you. But be fore warned there is assault, attempted rape, mass murder of several women, and hints of bestiality all played for laughs. Though modern productions like this one shoehorns in a happy ending that reverses some of the more disturbing elements.