PROLOGUE

It is night on the shore of the lake, silent and mysterious beneath a veil of mist. Here, by the water’s edge, the evil sorcerer Rothbart enchants beautiful young maidens and turns them into swans. Among them is Princess Odette.

By day Odette becomes a swan, and at night she regains her human form. She can be freed only by a vow of true love.

ACT I

SCENE ONE. The palace gardens

At the royal palace gardens, the young Prince Siegfried celebrates his coming of age. The Queen presents him with a crossbow and reminds him that the time has come to choose a bride. Though surrounded by cheerful friends, the Prince feels inwardly alone.

The celebration draws to a close. Siegfried’s attention is caught by a flock of white swans flying towards the lake, and he follows them with his friends.

SCENE TWO. The lake, the old castle in the background

At the lake, Siegfried beholds a strange and enchanting sight: the swans are transformed into maidens. Among them is Odette.

The Prince hears Odette’s tragic story and swears his love to her. Odette accepts his vow with caution, for she knows that if it is broken, Rothbart’s curse will become eternal.

ACT II

SCENE THREE. The palace ballroom

A ball is held in the royal hall. Siegfried is presented with princesses invited from various countries, but he is only thinking of Odette.

Suddenly Rothbart appears at the palace with his daughter - Odile, who bears an astonishing resemblance to Odette. Deceived, Siegfried pledges his love to Odile, thereby breaking his vow.

From a palace window, Odette watches the Prince’s betrayal in anguish. Siegfried realises his terrible mistake and rushes to the lake.

SCENE FOUR. Again at the lake

Back at the lake, the despairing Odette tells the swans that she will perish because of the Prince’s betrayal. The swans console her.

Siegfried begs Odette’s forgiveness and is ready to sacrifice everything. Their love proves far stronger than Rothbart’s sorcery. Rothbart perishes. Odette and the maidens transformed into swans along with her are freed from the spell.

EPILOGUE

The lake is calm once more. The mist slowly dissipates. The rising sun radiates love and happiness…