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« Repertory Archives
6 - 16 August 2003
Artscape Opera House
This late nineteenth century ballet tells the story of Prince Siegfried and his love for Princess Odette, who has been turned into a swan by the wicked magician, Von Rothbart.
Audiences will be able to hear Tchaikovsky's music played by the Cape Philharmonic and conducted by David Tidboald at selected performances. |
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The Story:
Prince Siegfried is persuaded by his mother, the Queen, to choose a bride. However, he is more interested in a swan-hunting expedition, as he has received a crossbow for his twenty-first birthday. At a lake, in the moonlight, he is astonished to see a swan change into a beautiful maiden. The maiden, Princess Odette, tells Siegfried that she and her companions have been turned into swans by the wicked magician, Von Rothbart. This spell can only be broken by the love of someone who has never loved before. Siegfried believes he has found his true love and swears to be faithful to Odette.
At a ball which the Queen has organised, Von Rothbart arrives in disguise bringing his daughter, Odile. Mistaking Odile for Odette, Siegfried dances with her and is too distracted to notice a warning vision of Odette. He tells his mother that he wishes to marry Von Rothbart's daughter, realising too late that he has broken his vow to Odette. Distraught, Odette returns to the swan maidens. Siegfried arrives to beg forgiveness and the enraged Von Rothbart conjures up a storm. Turmoil ensues and Von Rothbart is defeated. The spell is broken and Odette and Siegfried are united in a world of eternal love.
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