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© Wiener Staatsballett
Manon Ballet
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May 2026  | ||||||
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Manon | Ballet
PREMIERE
Act 1 - approx. 45 mins
Break - approx. 25 mins
Act 2 - approx. 45 mins
Break - approx. 25 mins
Act 3 - approx. 25 mins
Storyline
Act 1
Scene 1
The courtyard of an inn near Paris
The courtyard at the inn is abustle with actresses, gentlemen and the demi-monde from Paris. Among them are the young student Des Grieux, the wealthy Monsieur G. M., and Lescaut, who is there to meet his sister Manon on her way to enter a convent. A coach arrives bringing Manon and an old gentleman, who is very attracted to Manon. Lescaut notices this and takes the gentleman into the inn to come to an arrangement with him over Manon. Manon remains outside and meets Des Grieux. They fall in love at first sight and decide to escape to Paris with the money that she has stolen from the old gentleman. Lescaut and the old gentleman come out of the inn, having reached an agreement, and see to their dismay that Manon has disappeared. Monsieur G. M. tells Lescaut that he too is interested in Manon. Impressed by G. M.’s wealth, Lescaut promises to find Manon and persuade her to accept G. M.
Scene 2
Des Grieux’s lodgings in Paris
Des Grieux is writing a letter to his father, but Manon interrupts him and declares her love for him. Des Grieux goes to post the letter. In his absence, Lescaut arrives with Monsieur G. M. Manon yields to G. M.’s advances. When Des Grieux returns, Lescaut persuades him that there will be great wealth for all of them if Des Grieux will sanction the liaison between Manon and G. M.
Act 2
Scene 1
A party at Madame’s Hôtel particulier
Manon arrives at the party given by Monsieur G. M. She is clearly torn between her lover’s wealth and her love for Des Grieux, who is also present with Lescaut. Des Grieux tries to persuade Manon to leave with him, but she tells him that she will only leave with him once he has won more of Monsieur G. M.’s money at cards. Des Grieux is caught cheating, and he and Manon rush out.
Scene 2
Des Grieux’s lodgings
Manon and Des Grieux declare their love for one another. Monsieur G. M. arrives with the police, and Manon is arrested as a prostitute. In the ensuing struggle, Lescaut is killed.
Act 3
Scene 1
The Port of New Orleans
Manon has been deported to America as a prostitute. Des Grieux has followed her there, pretending to be her husband. Manon attracts the attention of the gaoler of the penal colony.
Scene 2
The Gaoler’s room
The gaoler has arrested Manon, but offers her favours if she will desert Des Grieux and live with him. Des Grieux however breaks in and kills the gaoler.
Scene 3
The Swamp
Manon and Des Grieux have escaped into the swamps of Louisiana. She has renounced all her former ambitions of wealth and splendour for her love for Des Grieux. As they make their escape from their pursuers, Manon collapses and dies in her lover’s arms.
Program and cast
Musical direction – Ermanno Florio
Choreography and staging – Kenneth MacMillan
Music – Jules Massenet
Compiled by – Leighton Lucas
In collaboration with – Hilde Gaunt
Orchestrated by – Martin Yates
Set & costumes – Peter Farmer
Rehearsal direction – Gregory Mislin, Laura Moreira
Vienna State Opera
Public Transport
Subway lines: U1, U2, U4
Trams: 1, 2, D, J, 62, 65
Buses: 59A
Local Railway: Badner Bahn
Stops: Karlsplatz / Opera
Taxi stands are available nearby.
Parking
Parking is only € 6, - for eight hours!
The Wiener Staatsoper and the ÖPARK Kärntner Ring Garage on Mahlerstraße 8, under the “Ringstraßengalerien”, offer the patrons of the Vienna State Opera a new, reduced parking fee. You can park in the Kärntner Ring Garage for up to 8 hours and pay only a flat fee of € 6, -. Just validate your ticket at one of the discount machines inside the Wiener Staatsoper. The normal rate will be charged for parking time greater than 8 hours. The validation machines can be found at the following coat checks: Operngasse, Herbert von Karajan-Platz, and the right and left and balcony galleries.
Important: In order to get the discount, please draw a ticket and do not use your credit card when entering the garage!
After devaluing your ticket in the Wiener Staatsoper you can pay comfortably by credit card or cash at the vending machines.
The machines accept coins and bills up to 50.- Euro. Parking time longer than 8 hours will be charged at the normal rate.
History
The structure of the opera house was planned by the Viennese architect August Sicard von Sicardsburg, while the inside was designed by interior decorator Eduard van der Nüll. It was also impacted by other major artists such as Moritz von Schwind, who painted the frescoes in the foyer, and the famous "Zauberflöten" (“Magic Flute”) series of frescoes on the veranda. Neither of the architects survived to see the opening of ‘their’ opera house: the sensitive van der Nüll committed suicide, and his friend Sicardsburg died of a stroke soon afterwards.
On May 25, 1869, the opera house solemnly opened with Mozart's Don Giovanni in the presence of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth.
The popularity of the building grew under the artistic influence of the first directors: Franz von Dingelstedt, Johann Herbeck, Franz Jauner, and Wilhelm Jahn. The Vienna opera experienced its first high point under the direction of Gustav Mahler. He completely transformed the outdated performance system, increased the precision and timing of the performances, and also utilized the experience of other noteworthy artists, such as Alfred Roller, for the formation of new stage aesthetics.
The years 1938 to 1945 were a dark chapter in the history of the opera house. Under the Nazis, many members of the house were driven out, pursued, and killed, and many works were not allowed to be played.
On March 12, 1945, the opera house was devastated during a bombing, but on May 1, 1945, the “State Opera in the Volksoper” opened with a performance of Mozart's THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO. On October 6, 1945, the hastily restored “Theaters an der Wien” reopened with Beethoven's FIDELIO. For the next ten years the Vienna State Opera operated in two venues while the true headquarters was being rebuilt at a great expense.
The Secretary of State for Public Works, Julius Raab, announced on May 24, 1945, that reconstruction of the Vienna State Opera would begin immediately. Only the main facade, the grand staircase, and the Schwind Foyer had been spared from the bombs. On November 5, 1955, the Vienna State Opera reopened with a new auditorium and modernized technology. Under the direction of Karl Böhm, Beethoven’s FIDELIO was brilliantly performed, and the opening ceremonies were broadcast by Austrian television. The whole world understood that life was beginning again for this country that had just regained its independence.
Today, the Vienna State Opera is considered one of the most important opera houses in the world; in particular, it is the house with the largest repertoire. It has been under the direction of Dominique Meyer since September 1, 2010.
© Wiener Staatsballett
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