show category: ballet, matinee

Comic ballet in three acts, on a libretto by Charles Nuitter, after the stories of E.T.A. Hoffmann – Der Sandmann (The Man With The Sand) and Die Puppe (The Doll)

Léo Delibes offers us a light and merry version of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s stories, which inspired him in the creation of the renowned “Coppélia” ballet, highlighting through a comedy the elements of folk inspired authentic dance, that he dearly loved. By the introduction of the mazurka and czárdás in the play, Delibes has sketched a new ballet style – a reference to which we still report ourselves today. “Coppélia” has first been brought to stage in 1870, at Théâtre Impérial de L’Opéra, its story presenting the story of an excentric inventor, Dr. Coppelius, and the obsession for his own creation – this mechanical doll that he tries to bring to life. His plans are diverted, thought, by Franz – who falls in love with Coppélia -, and by Swanilda, his fiancé, who tries to correct the unfortunate situation, in hope she will reconquer her lover.

The performance has two breaks, and end around 8:45 pm.