MacMillan found new sympathy with the capricious Manon and her struggle to escape poverty in this production.
Manon
Ballet

the royal opera house presents
Mayerling is a ballet choreographed by Kenneth MacMillan to the music of Franz Liszt. Dealing with dangerous desires, family secrets and political intrigue, the story was inspired by true life events. More specifically, the sexual and morbid obsessions of Crown Prince Rudolf leading to the murder-suicide scandal with his mistress Mary Vetsera. Set against the backdrop of the oppressive but glamorous Austro-Hungarian court in the 1880s, this production is a masterclass in storytelling through dance.
“Sir Kenneth MacMillan broke the mold of traditional fairytale ballets with this 1978 work, bringing intense psychological realism and raw adult themes to the stage. The ballet is set to orchestral music by Franz Liszt, beautifully arranged by John Lanchbery, sweeping, intense music that perfectly matches the dark psychological decline of Crown Prince Rudolf.”
— Marquee TV Content Curator