Synopsis of the Story

Prologue
A young woman, Odette, is strolling in a glade in the early evening. Count Von Rothbart, a diplomat by day, a sorcerer by night, is captivated by her. Passionate to include her in his nocturnal domain he transforms Odette into a white swan.

 

Act I
The Castle Lawn, Late Afternoon
Festivities in honor of the coronation of Prince Siegfried are underway. The Queen Mother has invited Siegfried's friends to celebrate before the formal ceremony that will occur later that week. She has also invited Von Rothbart, who has been her advisor on political matters since her husband's death.

During the celeberation, one young lady, Odile, captures everyone's attention as she dances. She is radiant and beautiful. Siegfried's best friend, Benno, finds himself quite attracted to Odile, as does Count Von Rothbart. Siegfried endeavors to diffuse the tension and the party resumes. As the afternoon fades into twilight, the revelers, somewhat exhausted, depart.

 

Scene II
Interlude
Odile is making her way home and senses that someone might be following her. She is startled by delighted when Count Von Rothbart appears suddenly. Odile is beguiled and seduced by the Count and is hauntingly transformed into a black swan.

 

Act II
The Lake
Siegfried wakes up bewildered and confused. He's had a strange dream, and wonders exactly where he is and how he got there. He is near a forest lake. Discovering Odile's shawl, Siegfried looks for her. The mysterious forest and lake are home to the villainous Von Rothbart and his treasured Swans.

Not finding Odile, Siegfried is amazed to see a flock of remarkable Swans. Their form is unusual and beautiful. Then Odette, the Queen of the Swans, appears and Siegfried is left breathless.

As he dances with Odette, Siegfried is captivated and mesmerized by her. Having never experienced anything like this and aware of his love and desire for Odette, Siegfried promises to love no one else and vows eternal fidelity. This reverie is interrupted by Von Rothbart, who maintains his hold on the Swans as they disappear over the lake. Siegfried is once again confused but filled with resolve to rescue Odette.

 

Act III
Castle Ballroom, the Coronation
In honor of the Coronation, representatives from the courts of other lands have been invited, including a number of Princesses from which Siegfried is to choose his Queen. Distressed as he remembers his time in the forest with Odette, Siegfried politely rejects each Princess as she is presented. The Queen Mother asks Von Rothbart to help Siegfried accept political reality. Tensions are stirred and in an effort to return calm to the evening's events, the ethnic dances from the visiting courts are presented.

In a flurry of excitement, Count Von Rothbart presents a new young lady to the Prince. It is none other than Odile. Siegfried is beguiled and wonders why she reminds him of something in a dream. After dancing with Odile, Siegfried selects her for his bride, unwittingly breaking his vow to Odette. As the Count relishes the situation, Siegfried realizes he has been tricked and rushes off to find his true love.

 

Scene II
Interlude
Siegfried searches the forest for his beloved Odette. He must somehow convey his undying love. On his journey he is emotionally distressed, wondering how she will respond to his broken vow.

 

Act IV
The Lake
Odette appears at the lake and has lost all hope. She and the Swans are grief-striken, but Siegfried rushes to her and explains passionately how he too succombed to Von Rothbart's wickedness. They reunite in a vow of their eternal love. Von Rothbart is propelled by the power of their union and is horrified at the thought of losing Odette. He attempts to kill Siegfried to ensure his hold on Odette and the Swans. In one final gesture of truth over evil, Odette sacrifices herself and Rothbart is destroyed. The spell is broken and the Swans are released from their misery.

~The End~