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. 1st Royal Ballet performance of this production Royal Opera House 14 February 1978.

Creatives/Company

Music(s): Franz Liszt, John Lanchberty (arrangement)
Producer: Royal Ballet
Conductor(s): Barry Wordsworth, Martin Yates
Choreographer: Kenneth MacMillan
Other: Gillian Freeman (scenario)
Director: Monica Parker
Design: Nicholas Georgiadis