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Mayerling is a classic of the Royal Ballet
repertory, with its emotional depth,
haunting imagery, and one of the
most demanding roles ever created
for a male dancer. Kenneth MacMillan
choreographed a complex work around
the psychologically tormented heir to the
Habsburg Empire, Crown Prince Rudolf.
From the ballet’s start, the glamour of
the Austro-Hungarian court is contrasted
with undercurrents of sexual and political
intrigue that drive the story to its violent
climax in a double suicide. The large
cast allows for impressive ensembles
in addition to the ballet's many solos of
distinctive character and pas de deux of
disturbing eroticism. This ballet, bursting
with intensity, madness and passion,
proves that sometimes the truth is more
scandalous than fiction.

APPROXIMATE RUNNING TIME:
3 HOURS 15 MINUTES, INCLUDING
TWO INTERVALS