When the fairytale turns sour: death, drugs and infidelities in The Royal Ballet’s Mayerling

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Based on real-life events of 1889, Mayerling chronicles the lead-up to the mysterious deaths of Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria and his 17 year old mistress, Mary Vetsera. Choreographed by Kenneth MacMillan, this compelling ballet plunges the audience into a sordid world where sex is used as both a weapon and a last resort.

The truth about the double death of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian crown and the passionate but neurotic Mary Vetsera has never been established, due to an instant court cover-up. Crown Prince Rudolf’s unhappy political marriage, his involvement with the Hungarian separatists’ cause, and the oppressive opposition of his father, Emperor Franz Josef, undoubtedly motivated the desperate conclusion of Mayerling. Memoirs and letters reveal that Rudolf was a depraved and often violent prince and Mary was an obsessive girl only too ready to die for the idea of love.

The incredibly physically demanding central role of Crown Prince Rudolf, with its dark pyschological element, presents the ultimate challenge for The Royal Ballet’s leading men. This season, Rudolph will be danced by five of the Company’s Principals; Carlos Acosta, Johan Kobborg, Edward Watson and, in their debuts in the role, Rupert Pennefather and Thiago Soares.

Talking about the challenge of dancing the lead role, 28 year old British dancer Rupert Pennefather said; “As a male dancer, Mayerling is just about the most demanding role there is but I am thrilled to have the opportunity to dance it. For me, the ballet is special because it’s so far removed from the usual idea of pretty ballerinas in tutus and a fairytale ending. The final eight years of Prince Rudolf’s life were a relentless downward spiral of political scheming, drugs and murder and I think it’s this drama and intrigue that makes it such a challenge to dance, and so exciting to watch.”

Dancing the role of Mary Vetsera will be Principals Leanne Benjamin, Tamara Rojo, Mara Galeazzi and Lauren Cuthbertson, along with First Artist Melissa Hamilton.

Speaking of the part, which will be her first full-length main role, Melissa Hamilton said; “Mary Vetsera was an incredibly complex person and I’m thrilled to have the chance to get my teeth into such a gritty part. The story is so dark and shrouded in mystery and I think that gives an extra depth to both the part and the ballet itself. MacMillan’s choreography is incredibly challenging so it’s a brilliant opportunity to push myself as a dancer and perhaps bring something new to the role. ”

Mayerling opens at the Royal Opera House on 8 October 2009 and runs for nine performances until 10 November. www.roh.org.uk