Swan Lake

Following *Romeo and Juliet* in the 2024–2025 season, the series of dance classics at the Großes Haus continues with the participation of the Tyrolean Symphony Orchestra Innsbruck. Tchaikovsky’s ballet *Swan Lake* combines one of the most iconic compositions with a fantastical fairy-tale world. The story of the fragility and power of love in an enchanted setting has captivated audiences worldwide for nearly 150 years. Marcel Leemann takes on this beloved material and, together with the dance ensemble, sheds new light on it.

The Innsbruck version of Swan Lake is largely based on the fairy tale that inspired the original from 1877. However, to better weave the plot into the present day and to make more extensive use of the dance ensemble as soloists, several plot twists and characters have been added.

 

PLOT

Act 1

Once upon a time, in a distant kingdom, there was a prince named Siegfried—a lover of freedom, unmarried, and of marriageable age. The royal family has lost power and influence in recent decades, and conditions at court are in disarray. For Queen Elisabeth and her advisory team—consisting of a financial advisor and a political advisor—the solution is clear: Siegfried, the only heir, must marry into a wealthy royal house as soon as possible. Four wealthy princesses from the North, East, South, and West have been invited to the upcoming ball; Siegfried is to choose one of them as his bride. Siegfried has traveled the world one last time; now he returns with a heavy heart. From his journey, he brings back a girlfriend and a boyfriend from another world—to combat his wanderlust and add a touch of universal flair to the royal castle.

No sooner has he arrived at the palace than the royal couple and their team urge him to stick to all the plans they’ve made. Siegfried gives the princesses his attention as best he can. As a consolation, his loyal friend Doggo promises him a nighttime foray through the wild nature surrounding the castle. Preparations for the ball proceed as planned until the day comes to a close for the entire court in an atmosphere of joyful anticipation, while Siegfried and his friends sneak out of the palace.

Act 2

Numerous white swans frolic on a lake. They have all been enchanted by the sorcerer Rotbart and banished to live in feathered form. Leading them all is Odette, a former princess. She bravely confronts her tormentor, but can do nothing against his dual power. When Siegfried and his friends arrive at the lake during their wanderings, Odette tells them of Rotbart and his spell, which can only be broken by the vow of love from a young prince. Siegfried is immediately captivated by Odette—like him, she is trapped in a golden cage. Odette also senses this special connection, yet she is aware that her freedom depends on Siegfried’s actions. The prince promises Odette he will rescue her as soon as he has settled his affairs at the palace. Euphoric, he hurries back to the castle with his friends. Rotbart, however, has been watching the situation and is alarmed—he urgently needs a plan so as not to lose his swan princess. He transforms one of the white swans into a black one—seductive and artificially programmed to deceive Siegfried. Rotbart names his robotic creature Odile.

Act 3

The big day of the ball has arrived. The prince’s attempts to explain himself fail—the queen wants nothing to do with an enchanted swan princess. Furious, she rebukes him. In the midst of the festivities, Rothbart bursts in with Odile, whom he introduces to the royal couple and their entourage as the most influential and wealthy princess. Through a spell, Siegfried is deceived by the illusion and believes he has his Odette before him. He proposes marriage to her, mistakenly believing he is thereby redeeming her. Suddenly, the true Odette appears to him as a vision, and he realizes the deception and his fatal mistake. Wildly determined, he runs out of the ballroom, leaving the royal couple disillusioned behind.

Act 4

Odette and the swans know what happened at the ball and mourn the missed opportunity for liberation. Out of breath, Siegfried reaches the lake with his friends to explain the deception to Odette and ask for her forgiveness. No sooner has she regained her trust than Rothbart and Odile reappear on the lakeshore. The situation comes to a head, and both sides prepare for battle. Suddenly, Odette and Odile stand face to face. Odile’s memory of her former life returns, and she realizes what Rothbart has done to her. A fierce battle begins, the outcome of which will not be revealed at this point.