Details

The double death of Rudolf and his mistress, the 17-year-old Mary Vetsera, at the royal hunting lodge of Mayerling in 1889, has been shrouded in mystery and intrigue ever since. The ballet places Rudolph at the centre of his corrupt and hypocritical court society, through his drug addled liaisons we see his descent into the arms of Mary Vetsera, his ruthless mistress. This emotional study of deeply flawed characters is Mary Vetsera, his ruthless mistress. This emotional study of deeply flawed characters is MacMillan at his best, swinging wildly through a landscape of hatred, love and desire towards death. Revival sponsored (1992) by The Friends of Covent Garden. Mayerling is the first of five ballets by Kenneth MacMillan in this Season, part of the international celebration of Kenneth MacMillan marking the 10th anniversary of his death. Last performed at the Royal Opera House in 1994 this three-act ballet is based on the true story of the Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Rudolf.

Creatives/Company

Music(s): Franz Liszt, John Lanchbery (arrangement and orchestration)
Company: Royal Ballet
Choreographer: Kenneth MacMillan
Lyrics: Gillian Freeman
Design(s): Nicholas Georgiadis, Barry Wordsworth
Conductor: Graham Bond