About the Production
Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon, based on the novel Histoire du Chevalier Des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut by Abbe Prevost, is a masterpiece of the literary ballet genre and tells the story, beginning passionately and ending in inconsolable sorrow, of the title character’s love for Des Grieux in a world that shifts between splendour and poverty:
“Manon is not so much afraid of being poor as ashamed of being poor. Poverty in that period was the equivalent of long, slow death.” (Kenneth MacMillan)
Manon
Storyline
Scene 1
The courtyard of an inn near Paris
The courtyard at the inn is abustle with actresses, gentlemen and the demi-monde from Paris. Among them are the young student Des Grieux, the wealthy Monsieur G. M., and Lescaut, who is there to meet his sister Manon on her way to enter a convent. A coach arrives bringing Manon and an old gentleman, who is very attracted to Manon. Lescaut notices this and takes the gentleman into the inn to come to an arrangement with him over Manon. Manon remains outside and meets Des Grieux. They fall in love at first sight and decide to escape to Paris with the money that she has stolen from the old gentleman. Lescaut and the old gentleman come out of the inn, having reached an agreement, and see to their dismay that Manon has disappeared. Monsieur G. M. tells Lescaut that he too is interested in Manon. Impressed by G. M.’s wealth, Lescaut promises to find Manon and persuade her to accept G. M.
Scene 2
Des Grieux’s lodgings in Paris
Des Grieux is writing a letter to his father, but Manon interrupts him and declares her love for him. Des Grieux goes to post the letter. In his absence, Lescaut arrives with Monsieur G. M. Manon yields to G. M.’s advances. When Des Grieux returns, Lescaut persuades him that there will be great wealth for all of them if Des Grieux will sanction the liaison between Manon and G. M.
Scene 1
A party at Madame’s Hôtel particulier
Manon arrives at the party given by Monsieur G. M. She is clearly torn between her lover’s wealth and her love for Des Grieux, who is also present with Lescaut. Des Grieux tries to persuade Manon to leave with him, but she tells him that she will only leave with him once he has won more of Monsieur G. M.’s money at cards. Des Grieux is caught cheating, and he and Manon rush out.
Scene 2
Des Grieux’s lodgings
Manon and Des Grieux declare their love for one another. Monsieur G. M. arrives with the police, and Manon is arrested as a prostitute. In the ensuing struggle, Lescaut is killed.
Scene 1
The Port of New Orleans
Manon has been deported to America as a prostitute. Des Grieux has followed her there, pretending to be her husband. Manon attracts the attention of the gaoler of the penal colony.
Scene 2
The Gaoler’s room
The gaoler has arrested Manon, but offers her favours if she will desert Des Grieux and live with him. Des Grieux however breaks in and kills the gaoler.
Scene 3
The Swamp
Manon and Des Grieux have escaped into the swamps of Louisiana. She has renounced all her former ambitions of wealth and splendour for her love for Des Grieux. As they make their escape from their pursuers, Manon collapses and dies in her lover’s arms.
