Performance Details
Despite many noteworthy titles in ballet heritage, only one has made it into broad public awareness as the synonym for classical dance: Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky.Swan Lake is a colourful moving tale of the love of a Prince for the beautiful maiden Odette, who has been turned into a swan by the evil Count Von Rothbart (Red-beard). The story has achieved immortality thanks to the overwhelming invention of the composer and the surviving choreographed passages of Petipa and Ivanov. The current production of Swan Lake at Hybernia Theatre in Prague covers the whole story of the famous ballet, but in a shortened version designed to appeal to a wider audience. It respects the sublime fairy-tale spirit of the original, whilst meeting the expectations of those who admire the foremost contemporary ballet techniques. Hybernia is a modern theatre; there are good views of the stage from all seating areas and fine acoustics. There is no live orchestra, however the pre-recorded music is exceptional, providing high quality sound throughout the performance. 20 dancers take part in the production, which features soloists from the Prague State Opera and National Theatre.
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Prologue
A young woman, Odette, is beside a lake. She encounters the evil Rothbart, who places a curse on her to live her days as a swan.
Act I
The exquisite setting of the Royal Court. The Prince is in celebratory mood for his 18th birthday ball. The townspeople and neighbouring Royal families are involved in the celebrations, wearing vibrant outfits and performing dances in honour of the Prince’s birthday. When the Queen’s arrival is announced, she gracefully approaches her son and presents him with a magnificent crossbow. As the celebrations continue, the Queen informs the Prince that he must choose a bride, before the Royal Ball the following evening. Once the celebrations are over, the Prince decides to go to the lake.
Act II
The prince catches sight of a pretty girl and follows her to the lake. There, he sees the most beautiful swan, wearing a crown. The Swan Queen turns into the beautiful maiden, Odette, when evening falls and the Prince is further enamoured with her. Odette reveals that a wicked sorcerer has cursed her and her friends to live as swans. The enchanted lake has been formed by the tears of their parents, and the curse can only be broken if a pure young man pledges his love to her and they marry.
The two dance romantically and embrace; the Prince has fallen in love with her.
Act III
The next evening, at the Royal Ball, the Prince has danced with several girls, as requested by his mother, but he cannot get Odette out of his mind. When the trumpeters announce Rothbart’s arrival, he has his daughter Odile, disguised as Odette, on his arm. The Prince is ecstatic and captivated by Odile’s presence, not realising that it is not the real Odette. As the two share a dance, the real Odette watches from a nearby window. Enchanted by Odile, the Prince pledges his eternal love for her, prompting the real Odette to flee. When the Prince realises the true identity of Odile, he flees into the forest to find Odette, leaving the Royal Court in gloom.
Act IV
At the lake, Odette is heartbroken and consoled by her fellow swans. When the Prince arrives to explain Rothbart and Odile’s trick, Odette eventually forgives him. However, Rothbart appears at the lake and starts a fight with the Prince. Rothbart insists the Prince keeps his promise to marry Odile as Odette has been cursed to remain a swan forever. As the Prince and Rothbart fight, Odette runs to the side of the lake in despair.
The Prince emerges victorious over Rothbart, and the curse is broken. Rothbart sinks into the ground and dies heartbroken. The Prince meets his Princess Odette and the two live happily ever after. | 
