Seduction, ambition, and greed, conquered by love

Journey from decadent 18th century Paris to sultry New Orleans with this blockbuster classical ballet about possession, desire, and the allure of wealth.

Regarded as one of Kenneth MacMillan’s most iconic works, Manon is a quintessential romantic tragedy, following the tale of a young French peasant girl conflicted by love and a yearning to be free from poverty.

It’s 1700s Paris and the beautiful Manon is on her way to enter a convent, when the old and wealthy Monsieur GM makes an intriguing offer for her hand to her brother Lescaut. Left outside while the arrangement is finalised, Manon meets and falls in love with the handsome Des Grieux and they flee Paris.

Later found and tempted by Monsieur GM’s extravagant wealth, she leaves with him as his courtesan, however all is not lost in this compelling love story, as Des Grieux will appear again…

From seduction, ambition, and greed to the persuasive power of love, this sumptuous story has been captivating audiences for more than two centuries.

Queensland Ballet is one of only a handful of ballet companies across the world with permission to perform Kenneth MacMillan’s version of Manon – don’t miss it!

To celebrate his decade of artistic directorship, Li Cunxin AO returns to the stage alongside his wife, former dancer and celebrated author, Mary Li, for selected performances of Manon. These performance dates will be:
Thursday, 29 September 2022, 7:30pm
Tuesday, 4 October 2022, 6:30pm
Thursday, 6 October 2022, 1:30pm 
 

Alina Cojocaru will be a guest artist on these performance dates:
Wednesday, 5 October 2022, 6:30pm
Friday 7 October 2022, 7:30pm