Swan Lake (1967)

Plot Summary

Bruhn’s Swan Lake was a fascinating psychological drama that departed from traditional versions, which proved controversial and ground-breaking. He enhanced the role of Prince Siegfried, whom he occasionally performed, with more dancing and depth, saying he wished to tell the story of the Prince rather than the Swan Queen. He also changed the role of Von Rothbart, the evil sorcerer, to the Black Queen (initially played by Franca). His telling changed the story from a struggle between good and evil to focus on the Prince’s relationships with the women in his life – his mother, the Black Queen, the Swan Queen and the Black Swan – each representing a different form of control or influence. To emphasize the powerful emotion of the story, Bruhn reinstated the tragic ending, with the Prince driven to his death by the swans.

Full Cast & Characters

Erik Bruhn

Prince

Lois Smith

Swan Queen/Black Swan

Celia Franca

Black Queen

Yves Cousineau

Tutor

Olga Makcheeva

Queen Mother

Joysanne Sidimus

Prince's Friend

Leeyan Granger

Leading Swan

Vanessa Harwood

Leading Swan

Elizabeth Keeble

Leading Swan

Charmaine Turner

Leading Swan

Hazaros Surmejan

Master of ceremonies

Daniel Seillier

Clown

Where to Watch Swan Lake Online

Frequently Asked Questions