Wuthering Heights

Emily Brontë’s novel Wuthering Heights, on which the ballet is based, tells the story of two neighbouring families living amid the heather-covered moors of Yorkshire.

The ballet opens with a vocal monologue by Mr Earnshaw, the master of Wuthering Heights. Returning from Liverpool, he sings the melody of a popular English song. At his side is Heathcliff, a homeless boy whom Earnshaw has decided to adopt and introduce to his children – Cathy and Hindley. They greet the orphan with contempt and subject him to ridicule. Headstrong Cathy nevertheless attempts to forge a relationship with Heathcliff, although their bond takes time to develop.

Not far from Wuthering Heights stands Thrushcross Grange, home of the prosperous Linton family. Cathy and Heathcliff, now in love, find themselves near the estate while Edgar Linton is hosting a ball attended by his younger sister, Isabella. They watch the hosts and their guests through a window, but dogs alerted to their presence drive them away. Cathy, however, manages to remain at the Grange. Drawn to Edgar, she resolves to put Heathcliff out of her mind and marries Linton.

Consumed by a desire for revenge, Heathcliff decides to use Isabella for his own ends. One of the ballet’s climactic episodes centres on Catherine’s deteriorating mental state. Heathcliff seduces Isabella Linton, and his actions ultimately drive Catherine to madness.