Léo Delibes
Ballet
Libretto by Charles-Louis-Étienne Nuitter and Arthur Saint-Léon based on the novel Der Sandmann by Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann. Choreography by Roland Petit.
A comic ballet in 2 acts
First performance – May 25, 1870 at the Théâtre Impérial l’Opéra
The premiere of R. Petit’s ballet took place in 1975 at the Ballet National de Marseille
The premiere at the Astana Opera House: 22-23 November 2019
Co-produced by Astana Opera and Les Ballets Roland Petit Foundation (France)
FIRST ACT
A small unpretentious town in which the garrison is located. All the beauties of the town are in love with the soldiers. They live directly opposite the barracks, so it is convenient for them to spy on the soldiers and exchange looks with them. There is also a mysterious girl, who is sitting motionless on a balcony, hiding behind a fan. The soldiers go out onto the square where the girls join them. A dance begins, full of the joys of spring and youth. Swanilda is in love with Franz and declares her love to him. She looks tenderly at Franz, who observes the girl on the balcony. Coppélius appears and in turn looks at Swanilda. In his excitement Coppélius loses the key to his house, which Swanilda picks up, and together with her friends decides to visit Coppélius’ house. Fascinated by the girl on the balcony, Coppélia, Franz decides to join them.
SECOND ACT
Coppélius’ house. Behind the curtain, Swanilda finds work tools, life-like dolls and spare parts for them. Intrigued by Coppélia the doll, Swanilda goes up to her, lowers her fan and discovers that the doll is a portrait of herself: so Coppélius is in love with her. A noise is heard and Swanilda hides. Coppélius comes in and starts preparing to have supper. He sits the doll down at the table, pours champagne and gently wipes her lips as if she were alive.
Then Franz appears unexpectedly. Taken by surprise Coppélius hides the doll behind a screen and welcomes Franz as an expected guest. He gets him to drink, gets him drunk, and slips a magic potion into his wine. Franz loses consciousness, and with his magic arts Coppélius transfers Franz’s soul into Coppélia’s body, reviving the doll. But the real Swanilda appears in her stead and dances with exceptional vivacity. Coppélius declares his love for her, while she keeps her eyes on Franz. Pleased at the success of her deception Swanilda destroys everything in the master’s house and hides behind the fan. Heartbroken Coppélius realises that he has declared his love for Swanilda. All the friends of Swanilda who has watched this scene laugh at him.
Once again, the girls and soldiers appear in the town square. Coppélius takes the doll in his arms. Swanilda and Franz playfully dance the can-can. The girls go off, each with her own soldier boy. Swanilda finds herself with Franz and Coppélius. The latter destroys Coppélia. The head of Swanilda-like doll rolls onto the ground. In her consternation Swanilda makes a move towards Coppélius, but Franz holds her back.
The happy couple leaves and Coppélius remains alone.