Manon Lescaut flees to Europe, dreaming of a better life, where she enters into a passionate relationship with a student, Des Grieux. But their happiness is short-lived: fed up with living in penury she takes up with Geronte, working in his nightclub as a dancer. Des Grieux reappears and they rekindle their love. Geronte finds them and words are exchanged, he calls for the police, and Manon, unable to escape in time, is arrested. After fleeing to America together their journey ends in a desert.

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Manon Lescaut

Oper Frankfurt

The inspiration for Fortner’s opera resembles an ancient Greek tragedy. The Spanish poet Garcia Lorca took up an all too familiar tale for his play Blood Wedding, which was first performed in 1933. His vitriol aimed at the uncompromising nature of blood feuds: a bridegroom’s mother lost her husband and oldest son in fights between the two clans and now fears for her youngest son’s life. She’s worried his wedding will reignite the war, because the bride still loves her former beloved Leonardo, a member of the enemy family. Leonardo abducts her during the wedding. They escape into the woods, but are caught. Two scores are settled: both rivals die in a duel.

Àlex Ollé

Events

Upcoming events

May 10 - Jun 15, 2026

Blood Wedding · Oper Frankfurt

Past events

Sep 26 - Oct 26, 2025

Manon Lescaut · Oper Frankfurt

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