Ballet
Manon
Manon is a lush, dramatic ballet about love, money, and downfall. Created by Kenneth MacMillan for The Royal Ballet, it is famous for its sweeping duets and its heartbreak. It is a grown-up story ballet with real emotional weight.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Music by Jules Massenet, arranged by Leighton Lucas and others
- Choreographer
- Kenneth MacMillan
- Premiere
- 1974, The Royal Ballet, London
- Structure
- Three acts
- Running time
- About 2 hours 45 minutes with intervals
The story
The beautiful young Manon falls in love with the student Des Grieux, but she is tempted by the wealth and luxury that a richer man can offer. Torn between love and money, her choices lead her into scandal and ruin. The ballet ends tragically as Manon dies in Des Grieux's arms after being deported to a penal colony.
What Manon is famous for
- the bedroom pas de deux
- MacMillan's sweeping duets
- its tragic story of love and greed
- the Massenet-based score
Companies that perform Manon
Manon is in the repertoire of companies including The Royal Ballet.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created the ballet Manon?
Kenneth MacMillan created it for The Royal Ballet in 1974, using music by Jules Massenet arranged for the stage.
Is Manon a sad ballet?
Yes, it is a tragedy. Manon's choices between love and wealth lead to her downfall and death.
Is Manon suitable for young children?
It is a more mature, dramatic story ballet, so it tends to suit older children, teens, and adults more than very young viewers.
Who composed Manon?
Manon was composed by Music by Jules Massenet, arranged by Leighton Lucas and others.
How long is Manon?
Manon runs about 2 hours 45 minutes with intervals.