Death in Venice

The renowned choreographer Gustav von Aschenbach begins work on a new ballet based on the Prussian King Frederick the Great. However, the artist’s fear of failure hampers his creativity. He finds himself distracted by chaotic memories of his poetic, impulsive deceased mother, while a court ballerina and the King haunt his imagination. Frustrated and exhausted, Aschenbach abandons his work, but an encounter with a mysterious stranger sparks his desire for travel. As he arrives in Venice, he meets a gondolier who seems oddly familiar. In the hotel lobby, Aschenbach is recognised by Venetian society, leaving him ill at ease. He is on the verge of leaving when he is captivated by the entrance of a beautiful young man, Tadzio.

On the Lido, Aschenbach observes Tadzio frolicking on the beach with his companions. The sun shifts his focus towards sensuality, and he is overwhelmed by Tadzio’s smile. Inspired by the young man’s presence, he choreographs a pas de deux about emotional love. Aschenbach falls asleep on the beach and has an erotic dream, waking up disturbed. In a barbershop, the barber reassures Aschenbach that one is only as old as they feel in their heart and mind. A street musician gives a vulgar performance in the hotel garden, as if echoing the cholera epidemic ravaging the city. The hotel guests fall ill – and soon die. Nevertheless, Aschenbach decides to stay in Venice. He forsakes his art and destroys his work. His choreography will remain forever unfinished. Aschenbach turns from art to life – and brings about his death in Venice.

Full synopsis and other background information can be found in the programme leaflet.