ROH: Mayerling

Inspired by dark and gripping real life events, this Royal Ballet classic depicts the sexual and morbid obsessions of Crown Prince Rudolf leading to the murder-suicide scandal with his mistress Mary Vetsera. The oppressive glamour of the Austro-Hungarian court in the 1880s sets the scene for a suspenseful drama of psychological and political intrigue as Rudolf fixates on his mortality.

Kenneth MacMillan’s 1978 ballet remains a masterpiece of storytelling and this revival marks 30 years since the choreographer’s death. Expect to see The Royal Ballet at its dramatic finest across potent ensemble scenes and some of the most daring and emotionally demanding pas de deux in the ballet repertory.

ACT I
Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria-Hungary is emotionally
unstable and haunted by his obsession with death. For
political reasons, he is forced to marry Princess Stephanie.
At the celebratory ball, he behaves badly towards her,
flirting with Princess Louise. Marie Larisch tries to revive her
affair with Rudolf. He visits his mother, the Empress, in her
apartments and attempts to engage her sympathies. He then
forces himself on Stephanie, terrifying her with a revolver.

ACT II
A visit to a notorious tavern is interrupted by a police raid.
Mitzi Caspar betrays Rudolf’s presence to the Prime Minister.
Marie Larisch introduces him to a new mistress, Mary Vetsera,
a young woman who shares his morbid fascination. Marie
Larisch encourages the relationship on both sides, conveying
a letter from Mary to Rudolf at a birthday party for the
Emperor. Rudolf and Mary meet in secret.
INTERVAL

ACT III
At a shoot in the countryside, Rudolf kills a courtier and
almost wounds the Emperor. Back in his apartments, Rudolf
asks Mary to die with him. At the hunting lodge Mayerling,
Rudolf is drinking with friends. When they leave, Mary arrives.
She and Rudolf form a suicide pact. They make love before
Rudolf shoots first Mary and then himself. The royal family
covers up the tragedy.