Manon Lescaut
Lyrical Drama in four acts by Giacomo Puccini
Marguerre-Saal
[recommended for ages 15 and up]
Torn between romantic love and a luxurious life, Manon Lescot is steadily drifting towards the edge of an abyss. The home comforts the older and highly esteemed Geronte de Ravoir can offer her compete with the student Renato Des Grieux’s honest love for her. Manon is accused of stealing by Geronte and sent away to America. Even though Des Grieux gets his way and is allowed to accompany her, Manon is unable to build a happy life there.
Eight poets, including the librettist himself and his editor Ricordi, were involved in creating the libretto which is based on Abbé Prévost’s novel from 1731. But despite the sometimes gruelling process, his work paid off: The premiere in Turin in 1893 was a huge success and marked Giacomo Puccini’s long-awaited international break-through as opera composer.
As part of theater+, select performances will include audio-descriptions in German.