Elisabeth English libretto

2005

Elisabeth

Musical: Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay |Translation: Havanah

Main Characters: Elisabeth

Empress of Austria

Death

Elisabeth’s lover

Luigi Lucheni

Elisabeth’s murderer

Emperor Franz Joseph

Elisabeth’s husband

Archduchess Sophie

Elisabeth’s mother-in-law

Archduke Rudolf

Elisabeth’s son

Duchess Ludovika

Elisabeth’s mother

Duke Max of Bavaria

Elisabeth’s father

Elisabeth A musical by Michael Kunze & Sylvester Levay Live from the Theater an der Wien Voice of the Judge:

But why, Lucheni? Why did you murder the Empress Elisabeth?

Luigi Lucheni:

Alla Malora 1

Voice:

Answer, Luigi Lucheni

Lucheni:

Why? Why? Night after night, the same question for a hundred years. Why all this questioning? Merda2. I’m dead!

Voice:

The vile assassination of the Empress of Austria.

Lucheni:

Va a farti fottere!3

Voice :

Explain, at last, what was the motive ?

Lucheni:

The motive? I murdered her because she wanted it.

Voice:

Don’t talk nonsense.

Lucheni:

She wanted it. There are respectable witnesses.

Voice:

What witnesses would they be?

Lucheni:

Her contemporaries, if you please. They cannot find rest and are forever talking about Elisabeth.

The Dead:

The old world has sunk Flesh decays, lustre fades But when spirit meets spirit we still dance the dance of death Lust, Grief – insanity drives us Need, Envy – duty crushes us Dreams, Desire – all that remains: Wishes, Illusions of a mad world Elisabeth, Elisabeth, even here we are apart. An enigma that no ghost can guess A sign that no man can recognise. Shy, Weak – Happy and cursed Wild, Awake – lonely and longing

1

To hell with it Shit 3 Go fuck yourself 2

Poor, Rich – what were you looking for? Hard, soft – what destroyed you? Lucheni:

No one was as proud as her. She despised you. She laughed at you.

The Dead:

Shadows in the abyss of time.

Lucheni:

No-one ever understood her; she would never give up her freedom. She wanted to look into the darkness!

The Dead:

She desired that which is our curse. What terrified us, she adored. Everyone has danced with Death But no-one like Elisabeth. Everyone has danced with Death But no-one like Elisabeth. Everyone has danced with Death But no-one like Elisabeth. Everyone has danced with Death But no-one like Elisabeth.

Lucheni:

Attenzione4! His Majesty Death

Death [der Tod]:

What’s the meaning of this old song of Those times when my chest was on fire? Angels call it joy, Devils call it pain. People think: It must be love. My orders are to destroy I do so coldly I take those who belong to me, young or old. I don’t know how it could have happened When it doesn’t exist within But it’s true: I loved her.

Voice:

You’ve gone soft, Lucheni. Love. Death. Don’t tell fairy stories.

Lucheni:

Perche no5? She loved Heinrich Heine.6

Voice:

For the last time, Lucheni: who were you working for?

Lucheni:

Death! Only Death!

4

Attention Why not? 6 A German poet. Elisabeth loved his writing, going as far to mimic it herself. He wrote a lot about death and quite a lot of satirical poetry which led to him being banned in most of the German speaking world. 5

Voice:

The motive Lucheni?

Lucheni:

Love. Un grande amore.7

All :

Elisabeth, Elisabeth etc.

Elisabeth :

Mama is expecting guests this evening And I hate that so! All the uncles and the aunts are coming here And I wish that I could escape from all the gossip and the fuss But the governess won’t allow it Father, why can’t I go with you?

Max:

Because it’s not possible.

Elisabeth:

Anything that you like I like more!

Max:

This time it’s not possible.

Elisabeth:

Dreaming and writing poetry Or riding with the wind I’d like to be like you.

Max:

Life is too short to get bored, even for an hour. And I hate family gatherings like the plague!

Elisabeth:

Me too! Why can’t I climb the cherry tree today?

Max:

Just be glad you’re not in your sister’s shoes!

Elisabeth:

Or practice balancing on a rope?

Max:

They’re training Helene to be Empress

Elisabeth:

Or play with my brothers in the meadow behind the house?

Max:

I’m not getting mixed up in this!

Elisabeth:

No, the governess won’t let me out.

7

A great love

Max:

I can’t help you there.

Elisabeth:

Father, why can’t I go with you?

Max:

I might be back by tomorrow afternoon.

Elisabeth:

To Egypt, Spain and Kathmandu

Max:

It’s time

Elisabeth:

Living freely like a gypsy With their Zither under their arm Doing what I want.

Max:

Adieu, Sisi

Elisabeth:

Wanting what I do.

Max:

Be good.

Elisabeth:

I’d like to be like you.

Governess:

Je vous en pris, princesse8. You must get changed.

Elisabeth :

I hate having to change.

Governess:

Mais, princesse9!

Elisabeth:

I hate being a princess. If I weren’t a princess then I would join the circus as a rider or... or... an acrobat! I can dance on a rope now. Let me show you Madame.

Governess:

S’il vous plait! Venez maintenant10.

8

I’ve caught you now, Princess But, Princess 10 Please! Come now. 9

Lucheni:

Elisabeth’s homeland. Porto romantico, he? Ecco. Questa beleca11 the lovely Helene. Elisabeth’s older sister. And that is the proud mother Ludovica. She has just received a letter from her sister, Sophie, the mother of the Emperor of Austria. This is why she’s called the whole family together.

Ludovika:

Nice to see you all I want you all to know Soon something very important will happen

Elisabeth’s greatuncle: What makes it so important? Elisabeth’s aunt:

Why’re you acting up?

Ludovika:

Our family is going up!

Elisabeth’s uncle:

No thanks to Max.

Ludovika:

Helene has been chosen for some time now. See her for yourself: Educated, clever and beautiful.

A couple:

Not as beautiful as ours.

Various:

What’s she going on about.

Ludovika:

I’m going to Bad Ischl12 with Nene

Ludovika’s niece:

What do I care?

Ludovika’s brotherinlaw: Very important Distant reletive:

Is that all?

Various:

Bad Ischl?

Elisabeth’s Aunt:

That’s why we’re here?

Ludovika:

There, in August, we meet with Helene’s Aunt Sophie. She wrote that she would like to see us. You’ll never guess the reason!

11 12

A popular spa town

Distant relative:

That’s the Emperor’s mother?

Elisabeth’s uncle:

Then the Emperor will be there too!

Ludovika:

She wants Franz Joseph to meet with Helene. My Helene will be ... Empress of Austria!

Various:

What?

The couple:

Helene? Empress? Unthinkable!

Brotherinlaw:

What luck!

Elisabeth’s aunt:

The Dukes family is fine for us.

Various:

Congratulations! Bravo!

Elisabeth’s uncle:

With that father? Embarrassing. What a prospect!

Helene:

The Emperor and me? I just can’t believe it!

Elisabeth’s aunt:

What’s the meaning of this?

The couple:

That’s Sisi!

Elisabeth’s greatuncle: A circus trick. Ludovika:

Sisi, not so high!

Helene:

Be careful, Sisi!

Elisabeth’s aunt:

My God, if she falls...

Governess:

She’ll break her neck!

Ludovika:

Sisi! Stop it! Immediately!

Elisabeth’s uncle:

If she doesn’t get down she’ll fall.

Lucheni:

It’s love. Per dio13

13

By God

Elisabeth:

Where are you going, black prince? Why don’t you stay here? I felt comfortable in your arms. I felt a longing to let go and be free How like a black bird: proud and alone. Yes, I know, you’re Death and all are afraid of you.

Elisabeth’s aunt:

She’s hallucinating.

Elisabeth:

But I think of you, and I always will.

Brotherinlaw:

She sounds just like her father.

Elisabeth:

Dreaming and writing poetry Or riding with the wind

Governess:

She’s feverish.

Elisabeth:

No-one understands me like you.

Ludovika:

It’s okay, Sisi. Just lie yourself back down on the bed. Leonard, send for the doctor.

Lucheni:

It’s the year 1853. In Vienna, rules the young Emperor, Franz... Joseph. His rule rests upon a standing army of soldiers, a sitting army of bureaucrats, a kneeling army of priests, a crawling army of informants, and on the advice of his mother. People say that she’s the only man at court.

Sophie:

Be strict! Be strong! Be cold! Be hard!

Courtiers:

He gives everyone what they deserve. He does everything for the greater good. God save, God protect Our young Emperor.

Grünne:

The Cardinal Archbishop

Rauscher:

Majesty, the Holy Church meets resistance.

Sophie:

Outrageous!

Rauscher:

Majesty, the Church wants to supervise the schools in the land.

Franz Joseph:

Granted!

Courtiers:

He gives everyone what they deserve. He does everything for the greater good God save, God protect Our young Emperor.

Lucheni:

A mother!

Mother:

Majesty, my son shouted “Freedom” and went before the court.

Sophie:

Rightly.

Mother:

Mercy! Mercy! For what he’s done he doesn’t deserve to die!

Sophie:

Be strict!

Franz Joseph:

If I could do what I wanted

Sophie:

Be strong!

Franz Joseph:

And didn’t need to do what I should

Sophie:

Be cold!

Franz Joseph:

Then I would be compassionate and good.

Sophie:

Be hard! Be cold! Be hard!

Franz Joseph:

Rejected.

Grünne:

The discussion of the political situation.

Schwarzenberg:

Majesty, the Crimean war threatens to expand. It’s inevitable that we stand by Russia. We must thank Russia for helping during the revolution. Also, we’ll gain a piece of Turkey as our reward.

Franz Joseph: Grünne:

What’s your assessment of the situation, Count Grünne? If we stand with Russia, England will be annoyed with us. If we go with England then Russia will be angry.

Either way, an alliance would be fatal. Schwarzenberg:

We have to decide!

Sophie:

The Emperor of Austria doesn’t ‘have to’ do anything.

Courtiers:

He gives everyone what they deserve He does everything for the greater good God save, God protect Our young Emperor.

Courtiers: He gives everyone what they deserve He does everything for the greater good God save, God protect Our young Emperor.

Franz Joseph: Never too early to decide Avoid yes or no See the Habsburgs progress See the victims escape.

Grünne:

May I humbly remind His Majesty that his coach is waiting to take him to Bad Ischl.

Sophie:

Gentlemen, your audience has ended.

Schwarzenberg:

But what shall I say to the Russian ambassador?

Sophie:

There are others to lead the war. The Happy Austria is marrying!

Courtiers:

God save, God protect Our young Emperor.

Lucheni:

August 1853, in front of the Eltz Villa in Bad Ischl. The Emperor of Austria makes a principessa contadina14 out of peasant nobility. Why? The mothers want it. They have planned this rendezvous, far from Vienna, at the foot of the Alps. Perche non?15 Bad Ischl in summer is always worth the trip And it fills the heart full of hope. Sophie’s explained the matter clearly to her sister But everything’s not how it should be. Why have you only just arrived?

Sophie:

14 15

Rural princess Why not?

Ludovika:

The weather delayed us! We need a little rest...

Sophie:

What are you thinking! The Emperor is expecting you at four!

Ludovika:

What?

Helene:

Already?

Sophie:

How does Helene look?

Ludovika:

Max sends his apologies But I brought Sisi here instead.

Sophie:

That dress will not do! The hair is hideous!

Helene:

I’ll change!

Sophie:

That’s no good. An Emperor does not wait.

Lucheni:

What good’s a plan even if it’s a clever one? It’s still just a theory. The one thing that can be guaranteed: How you plan it to be Won’t be! Que bel progetto. Serebe bello cosi. Ma Attenzione, signore e signori16 How you plan it to be Won’t be! The mothers are talkative The young Emperor is silent. The marriage candidate sweats. The thing becomes embarrassing Because now the Emperor shows He can think for himself.

Sophie:

Well, Franz, speak freely and say how you like her.

Franz Joseph: Sophie:

Who? Your charming cousin

16

What a beautiful project. I would be so nice. But note, ladies and gentlemen

Franz Joseph:

She’s like a fresh almond That’s about to burst.

Ludovika:

That’s almost poetry!

Franz Joseph:

She has such lovely, gentle eyes And lips as red as strawberries.

Sophie:

And a decent pelvis.

Ludovika:

So?

Franz Joseph:

At the ball tonight, I will dance

Sophie:

Yes?

Franz Joseph:

With her alone.

Ludovika:

He likes her!

Sophie:

Well then, invite her! Stand up! Go to her! Take her in your arms!

Ludovika:

What?

Sophie:

That?!

Lucheni:

What good’s a plan even if it’s a clever one? It’s still just a theory. The one thing that can be guaranteed: How you plan it to be Wont be!

Helene:

Three years of trying Speaking in French Rehearsing manners

He&So&Lu:

Three years of working Education and planning All... for nothing All for nothing.

Lucheni:

What good’s a plan, even if it’s a clever one? It’s still just a theory. The one thing that can be guaranteed: How you plan it to be

Won’t be! The one thing that can be guaranteed: How you plan it to be Won’t be!

Franz Joseph:

One thing you must know: An Emperor is never alone To live with me will not be easy.

Elisabeth:

What others find important Doesn’t matter to me.

Franz Joseph:

Many things will change.

Elisabeth:

But I’ll have you.

Both:

Nothing is difficult As long as you’re by my side If I have you There is nothing I cannot bear. If sometimes I lose my courage I find it again with you. I lack nothing So long as you’re with me.

Franz Joseph:

Under the yoke of duty Many dreams are lost

Elisabeth:

But our dream is near!

Franz Joseph:

We’re not like the others Who are born to be happy.

Elisabeth:

But we’re there for each other.

Both:

You will soon see life Through my eyes And each day we will understand a little more.

Franz Joseph:

Here, take this chain As a sign that you’re with me How valuable!

Elisabeth:

Franz Joseph:

I love you... I need you!

Elisabeth:

How heavy it is.

Both:

If sometimes I lose my courage I find it again with you. I lack nothing So long as you’re with me. I love you. I need you. Never leave me alone.

Lucheni:

St. Augustine’s Church, six thirty in the evening. An odd enough time for a wedding but on this, the 24th of April 1854, it’s fitting. Very fitting porca miseria17!

Guests:

All questions have been asked All phrases have been practiced. We are the last of a world From which there is no way out. For all sins are daring. The virtues are rehearsed The curses are said The blessings revised. Ugliness no longer shocks us. Beauty has become mundane. We learn nothing from good deeds. We care nothing for bad deeds. All miracles have happened All boundaries have been destroyed. We have seen every image We have heard every sound. All questions have been asked. All opportunities have been wasted. We are the last of a world Which always thinks of its own suicide. And everything, everything that has happened Helps us to endure time. Because we enjoy ever suffering, We enjoy seeing you going under. Elisabeth

17

Damn it

Elisabeth Rauscher:

If that is your will, then say yes.

Elisabeth:

Yes.

Max:

This wedding is your work, Mrs. Sister-in-law. Are you happy now?

Sophie:

No, but I congratulate you, Mr. Bride’s father.

Max:

Don’t congratulate me. Love makes you stupid! For him, Sisi is giving up Everything which makes life beautiful. Vienna will kill her. She should flee Before she becomes used to it.

Sophie:

Love makes you blind! Franz doesn’t know what he’s doing. He doesn’t listen to me.

Max:

Why did it have to be him?

Sophie:

I see the child And am seized with rage. She’s destroyed my plan.

Sophie: The little one is lacking everything He needs an Empress. I see them And think to myself He doesn’t fit her He doesn’t fit her He doesn’t fit He doesn’t fit her Aristocrats:

What a lovely wedding Rauscher has talked too long How do you like the new Empress? She’s looks nice Her linage has two errors

Max: The Emperor’s lacking everything He needs my Sisi. And think to myself She doesn’t fit him She doesn’t fit him He doesn’t fit her Really sweet! Touchingly naive Soft as wax Doesn’t talk much New to court

We can overlook that Still a child There are bad omens In the treasury The crown nearly fell on the floor

Easy to lead We’ll have an easy game. She’s friendly She’s shy She’s naive And when getting out of the coach A little clumsy The young Empress nearly She still finds it hard Lost her new diadem Tear-reddened eyes, clumsy and brave It’s almost like a fairytale Delightfully helpless like a sheep A child becomes Empress She has no weight What used to be Is a small light Is no more She fits in well here She fits in well here She fits in well here She fits in well here She fits in well here She fits in well here

Der Tod:

She fits in badly here She fits in badly here She fits in badly here She fits in badly here She fits in badly here She fits in badly here

It’s an old topic, but new for me. Two have the same beloved – namely you. You’ve decided, I’ve missed out on you. At your wedding I am just the guest. You’ve turned away but that’s just for show You want to be faithful to me but you invite me in. Even in his arms, you smile at me And where this will lead, you know too. The last dance, the last dance Belongs to me alone. The last dance, the last dance I’ll only dance with you. The time gets old and tired The wine goes sour The air is humid and stuffy in the mirrored hall. Invisible eyes watch the two of us Everyone is waiting for the rendezvous. The last dance, the last dance Belongs to me alone. The last dance, the last dance I’ll only dance with you.

So I wait in the darkness Looking out at you. Play the big looser But I know I will win! The last dance, the last dance Belongs to me alone. The last dance, the last dance I’ll only dance with you. The last dance, the last dance Belongs to me alone. The last dance, the last dance I’ll only dance with you. Ball guests:

The last dance, the last dance Belongs to you alone. The last dance

Guests and Death:

The last dance He’ll/I’ll only dance with

Der Tod:

You.

Lucheni:

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen. Bear witness as the Emperor of Austria turns his bride into his wife. The consummation of the marriage is the foundation for the birth of an heir. So, dear audience, this is of public interest!

Elisabeth:

The looked at me as though I were a rare animal.

Franz Joseph:

You have you get used to that if you live with me.

Elisabeth:

If only you weren’t an Emperor There would be nothing to separate us.

Lucheni:

The bird has flown into the cage. The door has been slammed shut. Can you blame the people for wanting to see the critter? A rarity, born in the wild and not yet trained!

Sophie:

Where is the Empress?

Countess Esterházy-Liechtenstein:

She’s still asleep, your Highness.

Sophie:

Then it’s high time she woke up The Empress is still very young She needs support. It’s time that she learns how to behave, Time that someone teaches her to comply. She’s become totally ruralised

Ladies in waiting:

That’s right!

Sophie:

She doesn’t pay attention to her duties.

Ladies:

Very bad!

Sophie:

Isn’t practiced in obeying, Is in love with herself and not hard on herself. An Empress must shine In awareness of their duties. Must add to the dynasty And then relinquish.

Ladies:

Exactly!

Elisabeth:

What’s wrong?

Sophie:

My child, you mustn’t sleep so long.

Elisabeth:

Why not?

Sophie:

I don’t permit idleness.

Elisabeth:

I was so tired.

Sophie:

The day starts punctually at five o’clock With the strike of the clock in the morning.

Elisabeth:

But Franz Joseph told me That I should take a rest today.

Sophie:

Take a rest from what. I asked him. I know you didn’t do anything last night18.

18

Not sure quite how to translate it. It’s old fashioned language but basically saying she’s still a virgin.

Elisabeth:

That cannot be...

Sophie:

That’s what I said.

Elisabeth:

He wouldn’t betray me to you.

Sophie:

My son keeps nothing from me.

Elisabeth:

That can’t be true!

Sophie:

Then ask him yourself

Elisabeth:

That I will

Sophie:

He came here with me Believe me, my child, I mean well.

Elisabeth:

Naturally.

Sophie:

I don’t want a dispute.

Elisabeth:

Neither do I.

Sophie:

Right yourself in accordance with the ceremony Then I will be happy with you.

Elisabeth:

I want to go riding today

Sophie:

Vulgar!

Countess:

And too risky!

Sophie:

The Empress doesn’t trot about.

Countess:

How disgusting.

Elisabeth:

Why not?

Sophie:

Because you don’t do things Which protocol strictly prohibits.

Sophie&Countess:

An Empress must shine In awareness of their duties. Must add to the dynasty

And then relinquish. Sophie:

Show me your teeth.

Countess:

There’s good reason.

Elisabeth:

My teeth?

Sophie:

Yes, is that so hard?

Countess:

Open your mouth.

Sophie:

They mustn’t be yellow.

Elisabeth:

Am I a horse?

Sophie:

Oh no. You’re a role model.

Elisabeth:

You criticise everything about me. All that I want is forbidden.

Sophie:

I want you to be the Empress. You’re not yet tamed and taken.

Elisabeth:

I think that you’re just jealous of me.

Sophie:

Jealous of you? That’s really funny.

Elisabeth:

I want to...

Sophie:

Learn to be humble at once!

Elisabeth:

I want...

Sophie:

No!

Elisabeth:

Help me, Franz Joseph! See how your mother tortures me.

Ladies: An Empress must shine In awareness of their duties.

Sophie: Leave it to me, Son I’m educating and bringing her up

Elisabeth: She torments me She imprisons me

Must add to the dynasty And then relinquish.

Leave it to me, Son I’m bringing her up well

Help me Don’t leave me alone!

Franz Joseph:

Forget your pride I’m standing aside It would be better for us both If you followed my mother’s advice.

Sophie:

Be strict! Be strong!

Elisabeth:

And so, you let me down.

Elisabeth:

I will not obey, Be tamed and taken. I don’t want to be humble, Popular and betrayed. I’m not owned by you, Because I belong only to me. I want to stand on a rope Looking down at the world. I want to go out on the ice And see for myself how long it holds. What should you care what I risk? I belong only to me. When you try to train me You merely force me to flee From the burden of duty. When you want to change me I tear myself away And fly like a bird to the light. And if I want the stars I find that I am there. I grow and I learn But I stay who I am. I must be defenceless before I will lose Because I belong only to me. I don’t want to be burdened with questions and requests Or be touched, hem to collar, by hungry gazes. I fly when I feel eyes on me Because I belong only to me. And if you should find me Don’t hold on too tight.

I won’t give my freedom up. And if you want to bind me I’ll leave your nest And dive like a bird into the sea. I’m waiting for friendship And seeking security. I share the joy, I share the sadness, But don’t ask for my life. I can’t give you that Because I belong only to me. Only to me!

Lucheni:

Death is greatly annoyed to see Elisabeth at the Viennese Court. After all, he was rejected, One can understand his resentment. So if she finds her milk and honey life Is not quite to her taste, You could be forgiven for thinking That he’s behind it. In the first year of marriage The Emperor leaves her alone a lot. What does it matter? His parrot always has time for her! In the second year of marriage, She has her first daughter And the mother is promptly freed from her maternal duties.

Elisabeth:

Where is my baby?

Sophie:

I’m taking care of her.

Elisabeth:

I want my child

Sophie:

You can see it now and then.

Elisabeth:

Without even asking me You named her Sophie. Your own name, of all things! I’m looking after her

Sophie: Elisabeth:

Sophie and Ladies:

Franz Joseph, your mother Torments me on and on! Now she has stolen my child. Say something!

Even she is Still a child. She can’t bring up A child.

Franz Joseph:

Just calm down, my angel. Mama knows what she’s doing. She’s experienced with children And she means well.

Required is The strong hand Of the Imperial Court Of Vienna

Elisabeth:

I understand where you stand

Franz Joseph:

I don’t want to argue

Elisabeth:

Against me!

Franz Joseph:

Understand me then. I can’t do anything.

Elisabeth:

My child! I want my child!

Lucheni:

In the third year of marriage Comes another daughter. The mother cries in vain The child will be taken. Slowly she comes to realise That she can only get what she wants When they want something of her And she dictates the price.

Franz Joseph:

Even your beauty can be politically useful. Come with me to Hungary Cast your magic for me.

Elisabeth:

Give me the children that you took from me.

Franz Joseph:

Make my enemies weak with your charm.

Elisabeth:

I travel only with the children. Get them back first. Then I’ll gladly travel in the name of politics.

Franz Joseph:

The journey is no excursion, The children are still too small.

Elisabeth:

So long as they are not by my side

My answer will be ‘no’! Franz Joseph:

God, I don’t understand. But please, You shall have your way.

Lucheni:

So in the fourth year of marriage The two children travel with the Imperial couple To Hungary where someone is waiting for them. You already know who? Or?

Andrássy:

The Empress is beautiful.

Károlyi:

Where does she stand on Hungary?

Batthyáyny:

She loves all that her mother-in-law hates.

Károlyi:

Then she will support us.

Andrássy:

She looks sad.

Batthyáyny:

Her children are sick. The small Sophie is said to have a raging fever.

Andrássy:

The worry makes the Empress look even more beautiful.

Elisabeth:

No!

Death:

Do you remember How we trembled As we both floated in dance? You need me. Yes, you need me. Admit that you love me more Than that man at your side. Even if you seem to give him more You’re dragging him into the night. The shadows are growing longer. It was evening before your day began. The shadows are growing longer. The world is dying with you. Don’t hold onto it.

Lucheni:

Ma che cazzo voi19! The world is going under indubbiamente20. At court you have not noticed but, in the coffee houses of Vienna, everyone knows!

Professor:

What’s in the arts section?

Journalist:

What’s the broth like today?

Student:

Does anyone want to play Skat with me?

Bohemian:

My God, I’m bored again.

Poet:

Our young Empress cries all day. She doesn’t eat any more, Not since she lost her child.

Bohemian:

A melange21!

Lucheni:

A melange!

Patron:

She’s probably pregnant too.

Student:

She’s not showing.

Poet:

Too long we’ve been without An heir to the throne.

Bohemian:

She was recently a guest at Renz circus.

Patron:

So the Emperor’s mother’s hat doesn’t fit!

All:

No, so we might as well Sit around in the cafe Yawning and expecting the apocalypse.

Lucheni: Poet:

Gossips. They know everything and nothing. Sitting there per igannare il tempo22. Beating time to death. Day in, day out. Another year gone.

Bohemian:

It’s all the same to me.

19

But what the fuck do you want? Undoubtedly 21 A milky coffee. 22 To kill time 20

Professor:

We have a concordat!

Student:

Who will play Skat with me today?

Journalist:

Our young Emperor Doesn’t show much skill At least not in politics.

Bohemian:

A liqueur!

Patron:

The last Crimean War has left us neutral.

Student:

And now Austria’s isolated politically.

Professor:

France, England, Russia Stand on one front And now there is war with Piedmont.

All:

No, so we might as well Sit around in the cafe Yawning and expecting the apocalypse.

Student:

This time it’s a son. Who’d have thought it?

Poet:

Again, it’s been stolen from the mother.

Journalist:

I’ve heard she likes the Magyarn23!

Professor&Student:

Is she liberal?

Bohemian&Poet:

Is she radical?

All:

She is a strange woman! She might as well beckon the apocalypse.

Lucheni:

When Rudolf was born, The mother, in labour, has a terrible vision. She saw red flags, Masses of people in Ballhaus Square Threatening her with fists raised high! She saw barricades

23

Hungarians

And her own son As the leader of the revolution! Poet:

Wonderfully eccentric.

Bohemian:

Beautifully decadent.

Student&Professor:

Austria now needs a parliament.

All:

No, so we might as well Sit around in the cafe Yawning and expecting the apocalypse. No, so we might as well Sit around in the cafe Yawning and expecting the apocalypse. Googling, Snooping, Chatting, Smoking, Chatting, Smoking, Grumbling, Reading, Hesitating, Dozing, Over Coffee

Sophie:

Stop! Where are you going?

Lady in waiting:

The Empress wants to Take a walk with her son. She says she has not seen Rudolf For three weeks now.

Sophie:

The Crown Prince stays here. The visits aren’t good for him. He’s already soft. The child lacks any discipline. So that he becomes a man Count Gondrecourt will teach him With drills and pistols, With push-ups and hydrotherapy.

Lady:

But he’s still just a child!

Sophie:

Child or not For those who rule There’s just one duty.

Because we’re bored We’re desolate Not because it’s harmful But because what’s done Is done Yes, eh!

The one God chooses To be master Must not forgive his weaknesses. Rudolf:

Why can I never go to mama?

Ladies:

I can’t let you.

Sophie:

You’ll be a soldier. Those determined to rule Must not be a mama’s boy.

Rudolf:

Please!

Sophie:

No! The wishes of the Empress are irrelevant. You are to carry out my instructions.

Franz Joseph:

Elisabeth? Open up, my angel. I, your husband, wish to see you. Let me be with you. Behind me is a day full of problems. France begins to threaten me openly. Scandals without end, Bankruptcy, war and revolution, A wave of suicides, new cases of Typhoid fever. Help me to sleep Like a ship, safe in your harbour, Guarded by your tenderness And without desire for one night. Now open up to me. Don’t make me wait. Be the woman Who understands me, Elisabeth.

Elisabeth:

Why don’t you go to your mother? You usually prefer her.

Franz Joseph:

Angel?

Elisabeth:

Spare me!

Franz Joseph:

What have I done?

Elisabeth:

You let them torment Rudolf.

Franz Joseph:

Rudolf? Tormented?

Elisabeth:

I know everything. Your mother gave him To her torturing minions.

Franz Joseph:

She’s teaching him to be Emperor. He’s too soft.

Elisabeth:

You want to destroy him! I won’t look away any longer. It’s either her or me! I’ve set up a formal ultimatum. If you don’t want to lose me Fulfil it. I will decide for myself how my children are educated. And from now on I will decide what I do And allow.

Franz Joseph:

Sisi!

Elisabeth:

Read my letter and decide for yourself: Your mother Or me. And now, leave me alone.

Death:

Elisabeth, do not despair. Rest in my arms. I will comfort you. Flee and you’ll be free And all fighting will be over. I’ll take you away from time and space Into a better reality. Elisabeth Elisabeth I love you. No, I want to live! I’m too young to give up. I know I can free myself

Elisabeth:

Now I use my beauty. Go! I don’t want you! I don’t need you! Go!

Women:

When will there be milk? Why won’t it open?

Lucheni:

Today, no delivery!

Men:

Again in vain. The pot’s empty, as always. We froze and hoped in vain For half the night.

People:

Someone lies to us. Someone cheats us. Someone thinks we’re stupid. We go hungry While others hang around In their palaces. Enough!

Lucheni:

Do you want to know who takes the milk from you?

People:

Say who?

Lucheni:

All the milk goes to them!

People:

To whom?

Lucheni:

To your Empress. She needs it for

People:

For what?

Lucheni:

Her bath!

People:

What?

Lucheni:

Yes!

Women:

What a scandal!

Lucheni:

A scandal!

Women:

I would never have thought it!

Lucheni:

You would never have thought it!

Men:

Children are dying Because there’s no milk for them

Lucheni:

No milk for the children!

Men:

While she bathes in it

Lucheni:

She bathes in it!

Men:

And robs us!

People:

What good is complaining? We must pursue Those who do us harm!

Lucheni:

Pursue those who do you harm!

People:

Away with the drones. We will not spare them. Let them feel the fury!

Lucheni:

Let them feel the fury!

People:

Enough!

Lucheni:

Do you want to hear what torments the Empress?

People:

Say, what?

Lucheni:

If she spots just one hair in her comb

People:

Then what?

Lucheni:

She cries with grief because she’s mourning

People:

For what?

Lucheni:

Her hair!

People:

What?

Lucheni:

Yes!

People:

Time to fight back!

Lucheni:

High time!

People:

We want to teach them

Lucheni:

We want to teach them!

People:

That we’re not to be ridiculed!

Lucheni:

No more scorn!

People:

Bread for the poor.

Lucheni:

Fight for your human dignity24.

People:

Law instead of compassion.

Lucheni:

Fight the palaces.

People:

Down with all power!

Lucheni:

Freedom for the people!

All:

Brothers get ready, It’s time. End the suffering. Say yes! The new time is here!

Countess Esterházy-Liechtenstein: The Empress is already in the bathroom. Lower your gaze when you approach. Carefully and slowly pour Hot milk into the tub. Are her clothes perfumed? Maid: 24

And creped!

With thanks to MissBuecherfreak from youtube.

Countess:

Is the shampoo ready?

Hairdresser:

The recipe: First, the cognac Then the eggs, Three per glass.

Countess:

As she demanded. Our Empress is to weigh, Comb, maintain and refresh Instead of interfering In state affairs

Countess:

Also, the Archduchess finds it to be very sensible.

Maids:

The strawberry pulp is for the skin. I’ll begin to massage. Here’s the sauerkraut for the complexion. Her eyebrows must be retouched. Here comes the veal for the face. Put a thick layer on the cheek.

Countess:

The rose water, wonderful!

Maids:

Six hours, we must pamper her.

All:

This makes the eyes bright and clear.

Maids:

She must have a manicure daily.

All:

The meat juice she drinks at noon Must be from the required fillet.

Countess:

As she demanded. Our Empress is to weigh, Comb, maintain and refresh Instead of interfering In state affairs

Countess:

The Emperor!

Maids:

What? The Emperor?

25

A stone (usually diamond) with a large table and thin crown height.

Maids: She looks beautiful With spread stones25. Nice for the people. Nice for the husband.

Maids: She looks beautiful With spread stones. Nice for the people. Nice for the husband.

Strange, the Emperor

Here for the Empress? At this time?

Never comes here At this time.

Franz Joseph:

Where is the Empress? I must speak with her.

Countess:

Her toilette has not yet ended, Majesty. But you can talk with her. She can hear you.

Franz Joseph:

I just want to tell you I’ll agree to your letter. I cannot bear Not being loved by you. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you, Lest I lose you. From now on it will be you Who teaches Rudolf to be a man. Instead of my mother It’s you who decides what happens here. She no longer stands between me and you Because I belong only to you. I rule and guide, I vanquish feelings. To feel is forbidden for me. But when I think of you, All logic falls silent. I am unfaithful to myself for you.

Elisabeth:

If I am to understand you Then I must be understood. I will go with you But no longer lock me up. I’m not owned by you Because I belong only to me.

Elisabeth: If I am to understand you Then I must be understood. I will go with you But no longer lock me up. You don’t have to give me anything Just leave me my life Because I belong Only to me.

Death: What the eye sees today Is tomorrow’s past When your vision has also flown Time is on my side

You belong Only to me.

Franz Joseph:

Elisabeth.

Elisabeth:

I belong only to me!

Lucheni:

Come closer, ladies and gentlemen while There in the cathedral, On this memorable 8th of June 1867, The Emperor of Austria And the unearthly beauty Elisabeth Become King and Queen of Hungary. Meanwhile, you have the unique opportunity To purchase a valuable souvenir, All very cheap. Please, come closer. What about this picture? Elisabeth as a mother with Rudolf her son. Or here, isn't this nice? The Imperial Family's Christmas in their festive living room. In this glass we see The romantic couple leaning close. Also, I have a plate Which shows Elisabeth praying in the chapel. Take a nice souvenir Of the Imperial World, All intimate, loving and thoughtful, Just like you want it to be. Kitsch. Kitsch. Kitsch. Don’t give me that face. Don’t pretend you’re interested in the reality. Reality is out there But no one wants to know because it just upsets them. Elisabeth is 'in'. People will speak about her for over a hundred years But how she really was? That, no book or film can tell you. What remains of the idolatry? What remains of the envy? What remains of her life as a treasure of time? Kitsch! Kitsch. I'll tell you something: Your Sisi was really a lousy egoist. She fought for her son, To prove to Sophie that she was stronger, But then she pushed him away. It only mattered that she was free.

She lived off the monarchy And even opened a numbered account in Switzerland. You only hear what you want to hear. Gone is the time Of beauty and of shit, Of dream and reality, Left is only kitsch. Kitsch! Kitsch! Kitsch!

Hungarian Girl:

The church door's opening!

Hungarian Boy:

The service is over!

Woman:

She's coming!

Boy:

Hungary's misery is over Éljen, Éljen, Erzsébe26t!

Men:

She defeated the opposition Éljen, Éljen, Erzsébet!

All:

Hungary's misery is over Éljen, Éljen, Erzsébet! Away with all that separated us Éljen, Éljen, Erzsébet! Erzsébet!

Lucheni:

Hungary, Elisabeth has freed you. She pulled you out of the card house, The card house of the world. A new age of nationalism has begun. This will ensure that the Empire falls.

Hungarians:

Lucheni: She will heal Hungary's wounds Éljen, Éljen, Erzsébet! Hungary rises, Habsburg falls – Éljen, Éljen, Erzsébet!

26

International anarchy and chaos. Austria is divided. Thus ends the old world!

Long live Elisabeth (Erzsébet being the Hungarian version of the name)

All:

Elisabeth. Elisabeth. Elisabeth. etc.

Elisabeth:

What a triumph!

Death:

My triumph.

Elisabeth:

What a celebration!

Death:

My celebration.

Elisabeth:

I have overcome the enemy.

Death:

You’ve changed the course of the world to how I want it, So closely we are connected.

Elisabeth:

I don’t do it for the world.

Death:

Not for the world.

Elisabeth:

Just for me.

Death:

For me.

Elisabeth:

Now I’ve found my way.

Death:

They laughed at you But you’ve risen up and defeated them.

Elisabeth:

They tied me to strings, As a puppet who could dance But I will not be a marionette! If I want to dance Then I will dance how I please. I alone will choose the hour I alone will choose the music. If I want to dance Then I’ll dance in my own way: On the edge of the abyss Or just in your sight.

Death:

Black seagull, fly!

Elisabeth:

I fly

Death:

I alone

Elisabeth:

Alone

Death:

Will accompany you through night and storm.

Elisabeth:

I no longer want to be accompanied Not even by you. I won’t be guided.

Death:

You’re free only through me.

Elisabeth:

Only through me.

Death:

Just for me.

Elisabeth:

For me.

Death:

And so you shall prepare my way.

Elisabeth:

I’m going my own way. I’ve separated myself from you. Leave me alone.

Death:

You’ve fallen in love with me, Because without me there is no freedom And no-one understands you as I do.

Both:

If I want to dance Then I will dance how I please. I alone will choose the hour I alone will choose the music. If I want to dance Then I’ll dance in my own way: On the edge of the abyss Or just in your sight.

Elisabeth:

I am strong enough alone.

Death:

You were strong so long as you believed yourself weak.

Elisabeth:

I don’t call you.

Death:

You will call me.

Elisabeth:

I’m not looking for you.

Death:

You will look for me.

Elisabeth:

I’m starting to love life.

Death:

Soon you will hate it.

Both:

If I want to dance Then I will dance how I please. I alone will choose the hour I alone will choose the music. If I want to dance Then I’ll dance in my own way: On the edge of the abyss Or just in your sight. If I want to dance, And who I want to dance with, Is chosen by me Alone!

Rudolf:

Mama? Mama? Mama, where are you? Can you hear me? I am so cold. Hold me in your arms. Everyone says that I shouldn’t bother you. Why can’t I be with you? Mama, my room is so dark at night. Now I’m awake and I’m afraid. No-one strokes my hair when I cry. Why do you leave me alone?

Death:

She doesn’t hear you. Don’t call her.

Rudolf:

Who’re you?

Death:

I’m a friend.

If you need me I’ll come to you. Rudolf:

Stay here!

Death:

I’ll stay close by you.

Rudolf:

When I try I can be a hero. Yesterday I hit a dead cat. I can be harsh and evil as the world is But sometimes I’d prefer to be nice and soft. Oh, Mama I always want to be with you But you no longer take me with you. And if you’re here you lock yourself away. Why do you leave me alone?

Lucheni:

Che bambino stupido, eh27? People can’t expect an Empress to care for her children. She has duties. She must visit the poor and the sick. She loves to visit the poor sick in the… Madhouse.

Director:

Majesty, we are very pleased…

Rauscher:

What an honor…

Elisabeth:

I want to see the patients.

Miss Windisch:

Insolence! It’s outrageous. Who does that woman presume to be? That’s not the Empress. She can’t be sane. She’s crazy! Elisabeth is me!

Elisabeth:

Miss Windisch: Let her go. I want to talk to her. Look at me. Do you not recognize The Empress Elisabeth?

27

What a stupid child, eh?

Look at me. Do you not recognize The Empress Elisabeth?

Elisabeth:

Bow down before me.

Miss Windisch:

Patients: Impudent liar. Fraud! Onto your knees! Take her to the madhouse! I command!

Elisabeth:

Liar! Fraud! Madhouse! Madhouse! She must be crazy! She’s doing it because she’s crazy!

I wish that I were really you Laced in a strait-jacket instead of a corset. Yours only binds your body While mine binds my soul. I have fought And done everything for myself And what have I achieved? Nothing, nothing, nothing at all. The only solution would be madness And the only salvation to fall. I’m drawn to the abyss. I want to let myself fall, Why do I shake before I jump? If I was not damned to be Elisabeth I would be Titania. Then I could laugh when they say: “She is crazy!” I stand on a rope And the fear makes me sick When I look down to see Nothing, nothing, nothing at all. I continue on with searching step Always fearing there being Nothing, nothing, nothing at all. The only way to be truly free Would be to be mad But I lack the courage for madness. So I act strong And do what I do As though this life were something more than Deception, Lies, Deceit. As though Nothing, nothing, nothing at all

Was enough.

Lucheni:

Other than that, things are going well. The Emperor listens to her advice. It sets the lady from the tower Firmly in the game of power. The mother-in –law, Notices the game’s getting desperate, And gathers the faithful flock For the last battle.

Sophie:

I am outraged. The monarchy is destroyed! Franz Joseph no longer listens to me. Elisabeth is stronger than me. The question is: Us or her?

Grünne:

The situation is grave As never before.

Rauscher:

We must do something –

Schwarzenberg:

And straight away

All:

Lest the Empress becomes too influential.

Schwarzenberg:

It’s intolerable, How she supports Hungary. One leader has become Minister of state.

Kempen:

She knows liberals And reads forbidden literature.

Schwarzenberg:

Where will it end up? She reigns like a pompadour.

All: Us or her! The situation is grave As never before. We must do something –

Hübener/Kempen: Her influence has hurt the stock exchange. Instead of Goethe or Schiller She recites verses of Heine.

And straight away Lest the Empress becomes too influential. Grünne:

I can understand the Emperor.

Sophie:

Is that so?

Grünne:

Well, as a man. She is really beautiful.

Sophie:

Beautiful? So are others.

Schwarzenberg:

Oh, I understand

Grünne:

Is this a plan?

Rauscher:

An idea?

Sophie:

You must fight fire with fire.

Hübener:

And a woman

All:

With a woman.

Sophie:

We must free the Emperor from his bondage!

Hübener:

He must learn That she is not the only one.

Grünne:

It is time, That he loved another.

Schwarzenberg:

Someone must make all of the Intimate arrangements for him.

Grünne:

I’ll take it upon myself To find the Emperor his Circe.

Rauscher:

From a moral standpoint, I must protest strongly against this proposal. But from a political view, I think it’s excellent.

Sophie:

Yes. The question is:

All:

Us or her! . It’s for The monarchy. We must do something – And straight away Lest the Empress becomes too influential.

Sophie:

But discreetly, Grünne, discreetly!

Grünne:

Don’t worry, Majesty. I will select the lady personally. In the salon of Madame Wolf!

All:

Us or her! It’s for The monarchy. We must do something –

Lucheni:

Any noble man craves culture. He likes it true and good and beautiful. It lifts and enchants the male nature, Going out in the evening in Vienna. Luckily, there are plenty of theatres in town But when they are not in season And you’re tired of the court ballet girls Then you go to Frau Wolf’s salon. Ardente coglione, eh? Pezzo di merda!

Frau Wolf:

Don’t be embarrassed! Why act all coy, In this establishment? Out with your money And don’t blush. We’re here for your amusement.

Wolf&Girls:

In Madame Wolf’s Salon, Never say ‘Pardon’. If you overcome your unease

Frau Wolf:

You’ll relax fully!

Lucheni:

So many nice lades In such a nice atmosphere.

Frau Wolf:

Here you will find the one you’ve been dreaming of. Marie is stupid and funny.

.

Helen is round and plump. Tatjana tends to swear in bed. For Sir who likes to cuddle, We have Grit with the soft bosom. And here, Madeleine who I recommend to every man. Lucheni:

The risk adds to the fascination; This little one has become infected.

Frau Wolf&Girls:

Don’t be embarrassed! Why act all coy, In this establishment? Out with your money And don’t blush. We’re here for your amusement. In Madame Wolf’s Salon, Never say ‘Pardon’. If you overcome your unease

Frau Wolf:

You’ll relax fully!

Lucheni:

Not everyone comes in person. It’s not uncommon For a confident to come in the place of his master. Even here, he looks to rise, And for his master He takes the most beautiful. He comes here from high up28 And he will receive great praise. He makes the choice with an expert eye. The little girl looks so hot, feverish, But the reason for this he doesn’t know.

Frau Wolf&Girls:

Don’t be embarrassed! Why act all coy, In this establishment? Out with your money And don’t blush. We’re here for your amusement. In Madame Wolf’s Salon, Never say ‘Pardon’. If you overcome your unease

28

i.e. sent by those of high status

Frau Wolf:

You’ll relax fully!

Lucheni:

Sometimes the result is Striking.

Countess Esterhazy-Liechtenstein: Help! A doctor! Her Majesty the Empress! She’s fallen! Get Doctor Seeburger. He’s with the archduchess. Help me lay the Empress down. Thank God, she’s come round. Have you any pain, Majesty? Elisabeth:

No, it’s gone.

Countess:

Here comes the doctor.

Doctor:

What has happened?

Countess:

She was lying under the rings. Fainted. She must have become dizzy. It’s no wonder – she doesn’t eat.

Doctor:

Leave us. Alone. The pulse…

Elisabeth:

It’s better.

Doctor:

The forehead is hot.

Elisabeth:

I don’t feel it.

Doctor:

The eyelids, almost white. If I’m not mistaken And I’m never mistaken – This is that certain malady. An infection, Majesty. Not life threatening But unpleasant. It’s what’s known as “French Sickness”29.

Elisabeth:

That’s not true! How dare you? What you’re saying is impossible.

Doctor:

Impossible? Why? Even Emperors are weak.

29

Syphilis

Elisabeth:

My husband is faithful to me.

Doctor: Elisabeth:

That’s wrong. God, if it’s true My husband has Dragged me through the dirt.

Doctor:

That, certainly.

Elisabeth:

I’ll hate him. I’ll leave him forever! Better yet, I’ll kill myself!

Doctor:

Do it! Elisabeth, I look forward to it!

Elisabeth:

You?!

Death:

This is, perhaps, the last chance. Seize it, Flee with me. Come dance with me, The last dance! Leave all this behind.

Elisabeth:

No, I stay here. My husband did me a favour By proving the truth. Where his morality ends My freedom begins. What doesn’t kill me Makes me strong. I’ll prove it to you all. His guilt gives me the right To break the chain he gave me. Go!

Franz Joseph:

Mama, I’m beside myself. You have insulted me. Once again they were included

In your game of pure malice. Sophie:

I won’t stand that tone!

Franz Joseph:

Do you want to completely ruin my marriage?

Sophie:

Laughable.

Franz Joseph:

Stop your plotting.

Sophie:

Plotting? No, you will be ruined by her. You’ve turned away from me. She guides you with a ring through your nose. And because she’s robbed me I swore revenge. It’s shameful.

Franz Joseph:

Is it true?

Sophie:

Yes, I’m fighting against her.

Franz Joseph:

And me!

Sophie:

It’s about the monarchy!

Franz Joseph:

No, about you!

Sophie:

You follow that woman like a sheep.

Franz Joseph:

Since I have met others, I love her even more.

Sophie: An Empress must shine In awareness of their duties. Must add to the dynasty And then relinquish.

Franz Joseph: You torture us, You interfere, But never Will you part us.

Sophie:

Part? My God, It’s about more important things!

Franz Joseph:

I am used to Listening to you,

Sophie:

Attendants:

But I will not Destroy my happiness. I’ll hold her, Whatever she may do. Is this my reward, Ungrateful son? You owe it all to me: Crown, Power, And the throne. To be hard and strict Was not easy for me. I forced myself To be strong For you. Those who forget their duty Must perish. Only when it’s too late Will you understand. Understand me.

This is so embarrassing. The Empress is not healthy. She wants to visit Madeira. That’s too far from the Emperor. That won’t stop her. It’ll make her want it more.

Franz Joseph: My poor angel, I hope You don’t suffer too much. I count the days Until your return. Ladies in waiting:

She never stops to rest, Rushing from place to place. As soon as we arrive, She wants to leave. Today, along steep paths, Tomorrow, back to the sea. Breathless with sore feet, We’re left gasping.

Attendants: Just don’t Cause a scandal She must go But not become an exhibition. Strict silence.

Ladies in waiting:

Franz Joseph and Attendants: Eight hours on these feet, Where is she now? Downhill, uphill. What’s she doing? And even when we’re exhausted, Where will she go? Still we must go on. She doesn’t stay in Madeira, How is she? Not for very long. Who’s she with? Welcome to Corfu, Pest and England When will she come home Just never back home. To Vienna?

Lucheni:

Mirror, mirror, in my hand For ten years she has run around. Someone has to ask: Is she still young? Or? Costa stai combinando30? A grey hair. Che scocciatura31!

Franz Joseph:

Since Mama died, my angel, I miss you so much more. Rudolf is twenty-eight And he pesters me so.

Ladies in waiting: She never stops to rest, Rushing from place to place. As soon as we arrive, She wants to leave. Today, along steep paths, Tomorrow, back to the sea. Breathless with sore feet, We’re left gasping. Lucheni:

30 31

What are you up to? What a bother!

Franz Joseph and Attendants: Where is she now? What’s she doing? Where will she go?

Eighteen years she’s been running Plagued by panic and anxiety. Someone has to ask: Is she still beautiful? Or?

How is she? Who’s she with? When will she come home To Vienna?

Death:

Time for us to speak at last. Time for us to break the silence. You know me. Yes, you know me. Don’t you remember? You were a boy When I made a promise That I would always Be close to you.

Rudolf:

Oh, I’ve never forgotten you. My friend, I call for you When my fears Eat into me.

Death:

I come Because you need me.

Rudolf:

The shadows are getting longer And yet all remain blind and mute. To the tune of the Pied Piper, They dance wildly around a golden calf. The shadows are getting longer. It’s five to twelve, The time is almost here.

Rudolf:

Time to see the crack in the world. Could I just turn the wheel32! But I must just stand by it. They have bound My hands.

Death:

Nothing is worse Than knowing That the disaster is developing And being forced to watch helplessly.

Rudolf:

It makes me quite sick.

All:

The shadows are getting longer And the songs are turning cold and shrill.

32

Steering wheel not tire.

The vicious circle is narrowing But they only believe what they want to believe. The shadows are getting longer. It’s five to twelve. Why does everyone stay silent? Death:

What’s holding you back? This is the moment. Reach for the power. Do it in self-defence!

Rudolf:

Self defence?

All:

The shadows are getting longer. What must happen must happen now. The vicious circle is narrowing. The evil must be resisted! The shadows are getting longer. Emperor Rudolf will Go to meet the time.

Franz Joseph:

Rudolf, I am beside myself. Someone has informed me:

Rudolf:

All lies.

Franz Joseph:

Don’t deny what is proven.

Rudolf:

Does that mean you spy on me? Your own son?

Franz Joseph:

You’re mixed up in politics.

Rudolf:

But I am right.

Franz Joseph:

But without knowledge and skill.

Rudolf:

But not so bad.

Franz Joseph:

You champion Hungary.

Rudolf:

Just like Mama.

Franz Joseph:

Don’t speak of your mother.

Rudolf:

Why not? She thinks like me. That’s why she left you.

Franz Joseph:

That’s not true.

Rudolf:

You don’t want to see For fear of the future.

Franz Joseph:

You only think that Because you don’t understand.

Rudolf:

But I do understand Your age old stubbornness Sacrifices us And the empire too.

Franz Joseph:

What are you implying?

Rudolf:

You want to conserve. However all you reap is Hate!

Protesters:

Hate The rest of the world. The strong win. The weak fall. Hail The German Watch. A strong man Must be connected to power.

Passerby:

What’s happening? Why do you not go further?

Lucheni:

A demonstration, signore33. Nationalists, Anti-Semites.

Passerby:

Eh?

33

Sir

Lucheni:

Supporters of Schönerer34. Non c’e niente da fare35.

Protesters:

Hate and violence To those not like us. Those who immigrate here Chase them away. Socialists and pacifists Have held us back for too long. The Jewish writers, The Jewish women. Are our downfall. Enough!

Professor:

They imprison our Führer36.

Protesters:

Ugh!

Young citizen:

The judge must be a Jew!

Protesters:

A pig!

Journalist:

The Jews protect a Lord!

Protesters:

Who?

Journalist:

Prince Rudolf!

Protesters:

Ugh! Jewish slave!

Passerby:

Outrageous. What is it?

Lucheni:

The progress, cazzone37! The 20th Century. It’s marching in. Unmistakably.

Protesters:

Soloists: Hate and violence

34

An Austrian political activist and politician. His policy contained anti-Semitism, anti-Slavism, anti-Catholicism, authoritarianism, popular solidarism, nationalism, and Pan-Germanism. These ideas appealed greatly to lower class Austrians and therefore he became very popular and powerful. 35 There is nothing to be done. 36 leader 37 Asshole

To those not like us. Those who immigrate here Chase them away. Down with the Habsburgs! Germany for Germans! Proudly stand watch on the Rhine. Away with the Crown Prince! After Prussia! Wilhelm should be Emperor! Yes!

The prince is with a Jewish woman. The Empress mocks German spirit. Down with Hungary! Wilhelm II is our man!

Lucheni:

Have you heard the latest on the Empress?

Protesters:

What?

Lucheni:

She’s collecting money by herself.

Protesters:

For whom?

Lucheni:

In honor of Heinrich Heine, She wants, here in Vienna,

Protesters:

What?

Lucheni:

To build a monument!

Protesters:

Ugh!

Young citizen:

Impudence!

Protesters:

Purity and strength! Christian values! Stop the treason!

Lucheni:

She has a penchant for insane asylums!

Protesters:

Free the Führer. Death to the barons! Away with the Slav state!

Lucheni:

It’s certainly not healthy!

Student:

The people need no masters!

Protesters:

Race! Mass! Splendour!

Unity! Purity! Power! Race! Mass! Splendour! Sieg Heil38!

Elisabeth:

Oh, I feel Your presence. Come, Show yourself! I can guess, Kindred spirit, Who you are. I’ve been waiting, Heinrich Heine. Come And dictate A poem. I have a pen And paper ready To welcome you.

Max:

I have no ideas.

Elisabeth:

Father? It’s you! I recognise you!

Both:

Dreaming and writing poetry Or riding with the wind.

Elisabeth:

I so wanted to be like you.

Max:

Why do you talk with the dead? I don’t like...

Elisabeth:

What am I supposed to do? Talk with the living?

Max:

You’re cynical. You’re bitter and alone.

Elisabeth :

You trained me to be Empress.

38

Hail victory!

Max:

You trapped yourself. You haven’t freed yourself.

Elisabeth:

I loathe it all.

Max:

One must strive To be happy!

Elisabeth:

Why lie to yourself?

Max:

You never gave up. Never!

Elisabeth:

Perhaps – Because I knew nothing of men.

Max:

Wanted to live without reins or taboo.

Elisabeth:

That’s true.

Both:

Living freely like a gypsy With their Zither under their arm.

Elisabeth:

Now it’s too late.

Max:

Adieu, Sisi.

Elisabeth:

Now I’m made of stone. I will never be like you.

Rudolf:

How often I have Waited for you to speak with me. How often I have hoped That you would finally break the silence. But you are scared Of how similar we are. So superfluous, So weary, If I were your mirror Then you would see yourself in me. Until you turn around

Because you recognise yourself in me. You pull me closer And leave me. If I look at you You turn your eyes from mine. We are strangers Yet we are so alike. I give you signs. You want to reach out But between us there is a wall. If I were your mirror Then you would see yourself in me. You wouldn’t find it so hard To understand what I don’t say. Elisabeth:

What’s the problem? What’s going on? What are you doing here?

Rudolf:

Mama?

Elisabeth:

Mhm?

Rudolf:

I need you. I come in greatest need. I feel trapped and surrounded. Threatened by the danger of Being disgraced before the world. Only you alone Can I trust with my worries.

Rudolf: I see no way out Court and marriage torture me. I’m sick! My life is empty ! And this miserable scandal. Perhaps if You ask the Emperor for me It might not be too late. Elisabeth:

Elisabeth: I don’t want to know.

I cannot save you.

I’ve long since escaped from the Emperor. I’ve cut all bonds. I’ll never beg Nor would I do it for you.

Rudolf:

And so, you let me down.

Elisabeth:

Rudolf, Where are you? Do you hear me calling? You were like me. You needed me. I let you down So I could be free. How can you ever forgive me? I have failed. I bear the blame. If only I could, just once, Hold you in my arms And protect you from this world. But, it is too late You’ve been included. Now we’re both alone. Come, open up to me. Don’t make me wait. Have I not been tortured enough? Have mercy! Come, sweet Death, Cursed Death. Release me!

Death:

Too late! I don’t want you! Not at all! I don’t need you! Go!

Lucheni:

My new range Is selling like hot rolls A strong collection. Above all these images Of the sorrow filled mother is The coffin of her son. It stirs every heart

As they think, Full of sympathy: “The great ones are much the same. Thank God we are not rich And powerful and exalted as they. For embittered become those who Are not like others of their time.” Kitsch! Kitsch. The Empress, however Still continues to travel. She fasts and runs in silence. Sometimes the Emperor goes after her, Because he tends towards self-punishment. And if she, When he comes, Is still there and has not yet run Then there’s a rendezvous With the full moon softly Overlooking the bay. Franz Joseph:

You know Why I came.

Elisabeth:

No, But I can guess.

Franz Joseph:

Come home, Sisi. We belong together I still believe it. I love you And love, They say, Can heal all wounds.

Elisabeth:

Love can do much But sometimes love is not enough. Faith is strong But sometimes faith is deceiving. We wanted a miracle But one did not occur for us. It is time That we admit it at last:

We are like two ships in the night. Each has its own target And its own cargo. We meet on the sea And then comes the difficult farewell But what drives us is not ours to control. Franz Joseph:

You want everything But sometimes something small is worth a lot

Elisabeth:

Your dream is too small for me

Franz Joseph:

To be close in the dark Is that not a great enough goal?

Elisabeth:

I don’t want to be your shadow.

Both:

If only you could take one glance through my eyes Then you would no longer misunderstand me. We are like two ships in the night. Each has its own target And its own cargo. We meet on the sea And then comes the difficult farewell. Why is happiness so hard for us to achieve?

Elisabeth: You and me We are like two ships in the night. Each has its own target And its own cargo.

Franz Joseph: Understand me. I need you. I love you Can you not be with me? Understand me I need you. I love you Why are we both alone?

Both:

We meet on the sea And are more alone than before Why is happiness so hard for us to achieve?

Franz Joseph:

I love you

Elisabeth:

Understand this: What cannot be Cannot be.

Lucheni:

Ecco39. The world is a ship and the ship goes under. May I introduce: Maximilian of Habsburg, Elisabeth’s brother-in-law, Emperor of Mexico, shot by revolutionaries. Uno, due40, fire. Maria of Wittelsbach, Elisabeth’s sister, Queen of Naples, Gone mad. King Ludwig of Bayern, Elisabeth’s cousin, gone insane and drowned. The Duchess of Alençon, Elisabeth’s sister, on fire and burning. Ashes to ashes!

Dead:

All questions have been asked All phrases have been practiced. We are the last of a world From which there is no way out. For all sins are daring. The virtues are rehearsed The curses are said The blessings revised.

Lucheni:

Franz Joseph. Emperor of Austria.

Franz Joseph:

What is all this? A madhouse?

Death:

The sinking ship, Majesty.

Franz Joseph:

How have I come here?

Death:

Don’t ask me. It’s your nightmare.

Dead:

All a nightmare, nightmare.

Franz Joseph:

Where’s the Empress?

Death:

Elisabeth? My Elisabeth?

Franz Joseph:

My Elisabeth!

Death: Franz Joseph:

She belongs to me! Impertinence!

Death:

She loves me!

39 40

That’s it. One, two

Franz Joseph:

Stop this nonsense.

Death:

It’s your nightmare.

Franz Joseph:

I gave her my life.

Death:

A poor gift.

Franz Joseph:

I give her support and security.

Death:

I give her freedom!

Franz Joseph:

And splendour!

Dead:

All a nightmare, nightmare!

Death:

The long awaited moment is near.

Franz Joseph:

You want to take her from me?

Death:

I will deliver.

Franz Joseph:

You? How?

Death:

With this file!

Franz Joseph:

Murder!

Death:

He, Lucheni It’s time!

Franz Joseph:

Give it to me at once! I command you!

Dead:

Everyone has danced with Death But no-one like Elisabeth. Everyone has danced with Death But no-one like Elisabeth.

Voice of the Judge:

What did you want in Geneva, Lucheni?

Lucheni:

To murder the Prince of Orleans but he didn’t come.

Voice:

Why then the Empress Elisabeth?

Lucheni:

Il giornale41. I read that she was in the city.

Voice:

When was that?

Lucheni:

On the 10th of September, 1898. Un giorno bellissimo42. A sunny day.

Countess Sztáray:

Majesty? Help! A doctor! Quick, a doctor! My God, she’s dying! She’s dying!

Death:

The veil falls . Leave the shadows. I have so longed for you Don’t make me wait

Elisabeth:

Turn the night into morning, Let me be free and secure, Erase the memories within me, Give my soul a home.

Death:

Let the world sink!

Both:

I want to drown, with you, into nothingness, Rise again, with you, as fire, And perish in eternity.

Elisabeth:

I cried, I laughed, Was spiritless, and hoped once more. But one thing I did manage: I always stayed true to myself.

Elisabeth:

Death: The world searches in vain for The meaning of my life Because I belong To me!

41 42

The newspaper A beautiful day

The world searches in vain for The meaning of your life You belong To me!

Credits: Book and Lyrics -- Michael Kunze Music and orchestration -- Sylvester Levay Staging -- Harry Kupfer Set -- Hans Schavernoch Choreography and Musical Staging - Dennis Callahan Costume -- Reinhard Heinrich Light -- Andre Voller Sound -- Erich Dorfinger DVD produced by Martin Bohm, Ludwig Coss and Wolfgang Hulbig/VBW for hitsquad productions Johann Ebert -- CROWNPRINCE RUDOLF as a child Dennis Kozeluh -- DUKE MAX IN BAVARIA, Elisabeth's Father Luzia Nistler DUCHESS LUDOVIKA, Elisabeth's Mother Fritz Schmid -- ARCHDUKE RUDOLF, Elisabeth's Son Else Ludwig -- ARCHDUCHESS SOPHIE, Elisabeth's Mother-in-law Andre Bauer -- EMPEROR FRANZ JOSEPH, Elisabeth's Husband Serkan Kaya -- LUIGI LUCHENI, Elisabeth's Murderer Mate Kamaras -- DEATH, Elisabeth's lover Maya Hakvoort -- ELISABETH, Empress of Austria Conductor -- Caspar Richter Played by the orchestra of the Vereinigte Bühnen Wien Ensemble Helene of Wittelsbach, Elisabeth's Sister -- Sigrid Brandstetter Governess -- Andrea Malek Countess Sztaray -- Vivianne Voge Mary Vetsera -- Lisette Groot Miss Windisch, a lunatic -- Nadine Hammer Countess Esterhazy -- Kerstin Ibald A lady in waiting -- Ruth Kraus Madame Wolf -- Luzia Nistler Fanny Feifalik, Elisabeth's Hairdresser -- Tina Scholtzke Baron Hubner, Viennese Capitalist -- Bjorn Breckheimer Count Grunne, Imperial Adjutant General -- Fernand Delosch Baron Kempen, Police chief -Noud Hell Prince Schwarzenberg, minister -- Robert D. Marx A Hungarian Noble -- Attila Serban A Professor -- Lars Stockmann Maximilian of Mexico -- Steven Scale Cardinal Archbishop Rauscher -- Henrik Sehnert

Death Angels -- Claudia Kraxner, Rita Sereining, Melanie Gemeiner, Murray Grant, Dominik Buttner, Akos Tihanyi Production Manager -- Robert Wann Dance Supervision/Choreography Assistence -- Doris Marie Marlis Dance Captin -- Liane Katie Maynard Stage manager -- Cathrin Hauschildt United Stages of Vienna Executive Director - Franz Haussler Director -- Kathrin Zechner Director -- Sven Offen Production Supervision -- Bernie Boess Filmproduktion Production Coordinators -- Albert Pauser, Peter Pansky, Eva Bohm Video Mobile Euro TV -- Gunther Polder Sound Recording Engineers -- Martic Atomic Bohm, Peter Brandt Assistant Recording Engineers -- Michael Tuschek, Chris Kuchner, Klaus Gruber Recording Mobile Eurosound Video Editing and Graphics -- Bernie Boess Mixed at -- MG-Sound