Relâche (ballet)

Relâche is a 1924 "ballet obscène" by Francis Picabia with music composed by Erik Satie. The title was thought to be a Dadaist practical joke, as relâche is the French word used on posters to indicate that a show is canceled, or the theater is closed. The first performance scheduled for 27 November 1924 was indeed canceled, due to the illness of Jean Börlin, the principal dancer, choreographer, and artistic director of the Ballets Suédois. It went on to be performed 13 times between 4 and 31 December the same year.