Swan Lake, the incomparable jewel of classical Russian ballet, is possibly the most popular example of the genre that after an entire century of popularity continues to reign on the repertoire lists of the world’s lyric theatres. Hardly a ballet company exists whose schedule does not include a production of Swan Lake, and rarely does a ballerina not dream of dancing the stunning swan Odette / Odile. A poetical story of romantic love magnificently rendered by the musical genius of Tchaikovsky and talented choreographers Petipa and Ivanov, is bound to leave a profound impression in one's heart.

Swan Lake was the first piece by Tchaikovsky that an emerging Lithuanian Ballet Company put on stage back in 1927, with five more classical interpretations produced subsequently. The present production is possibly the best and most accurate representation of classical ballet, mesmerizing the audiences with its beauty and perfected performances of the company’s best dancers. With the elegant choreography of Marius Petipa, this Swan Lake preserves the traditions and presents them in the most professional way.

It is also a unique experience to the viewers: LNOBT’s Swan Lake offers a version of this ballet that is extremely faithful to the original production by Petipa – crafted carefully by some of the most prominent Russian masters of ballet and visual arts, it radiates unspoiled classicism and elegance. Combined with the impeccable performances of LNOBT’s dancers, this Swan Lake is a spectacle that will surely appeal to all appreciators of classical ballet and dance in general.

Synopsis
ACT I
Scene 1: The Park of a Castle
Prince Siegfried is celebrating his coming-of-age with his friends. The jester entertains them with his antics. The arrival of the Princess Mother is announced. She is displeased with her son’s behaviour, so he presents her with a bouquet of roses to pacify her. After the Princess is gone, the festivities resume.

As twilight falls on the park, guests start leaving the party. Siegfried remains all by himself. He sees a flock of white swans fly overhead, which stirs the hunter’s urge in him. Seizing his crossbow, the Prince rushes out after the swans.

Scene 2: A lake in the woods at night
Swans are gliding quietly to the shore. These are girls bewitched by the sorcerer Rothbart and only under night’s cover can they regain their human form. Pure, eternal love alone could break the spell.

Siegfried appears. Having noticed a swan, he raises his crossbow, but lowers it abruptly when the noble bird turns into a beautiful maiden. She is Odette, the Queen of Swans. Enraptured, Siegfried begs her stay. Fearful of the evil sorcerer, who keeps a watchful eye on her, Odette disappears from Siegfried in the midst of the swan maidens. The Prince runs after Odette vowing eternal love and fidelity to her. Odette’s heart responds in the same way.

Day breaks. Odette bids Siegfried a tender farewell. As on any morning, the girls reassume the form of swans and glide away across the lake.

ACT II
Scene 3: A Ball at the Castle
Guests are gathering to the castle ballroom. A company of young ladies in white garments appear; the Prince is supposed to choose from them his betrothed. Siegfried, however, can think of Odette alone. Only at his mother’s insistence does he dance with any of the prospective brides. He must, however, choose one of them and as a token of love give his chosen bride a bouquet. As he faces the dilemma, a trumpet fanfare announces the arrival of unexpected guests: the magician Rothbart and Odile, his daughter. The Prince is struck by her extraordinary likeness to Odette. Rothbart wants the Prince to fall in love with Odile: breaking his vow of eternal love and fidelity, Siegfried would condemn Odette to remain in the power of Rothbart’s magic. That is why the sorcerer has given his daughter Odette’s features. Misled by Odile’s similarity to his beloved and mesmerised by her beauty and lures, Siegfried announces Odile as his chosen bride. The sorcerer leaves in triumph. That very moment Odette, in the form of a suffering swan, appears at a distance. Realising what has happened and despaired, Siegfried rushes to the lake in search of his beloved.

Scene 4: The Lakeside, at Night
The grief-stricken swan maidens linger at the lakeside – the hopes to be saved from the spell are ruined. Siegfried dashes in and begs Odette for forgiveness. However, enraged Rothbart summons the black swans that separate Odette and Siegfried.

Siegfried grapples with the sorcerer and gives him a fatal blow.

Love wins over the evil spell. The sun rises and shines radiantly on the Prince and Odette, and on the rescued maidens.

Libretto by Vladimir Begichev, Vasilij Gelcer
Choreography by Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov
Renewed version by Konstantin Sergejev

Designer: Viacheslav Okunev (Russia)
Staging consultants:
Liubov Kunakova, Ninel Kurgapkina, Liudmila Kovaliova, Henrieta Melnikova (Russia)