★ Who are the characters in Coppélia?
The roles in the ballet are based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s “Der Sandmann” (“The Sandman”) and “Die Puppe” (“The Doll”).
(in alphabetical order)
Dr. Coppélius: A doctor and doll-maker
Franz: Betrothed to Swanhilda
Swanhilda: Betrothed to Franz
★ What is the story of Coppélia?
The original choreography for the ballet Coppélia was created by Arthur Saint-Léon based and in its premiere in 1870, the role of Franz in Coppélia was originally performed en travesti by Eugénie Fiocre, a principal dancer with the Paris Opera. In Paris, women continued to portray the title male character until after the second World War. The story can be summed up as follows.
ACT I, SCENE 1: A European Village
Sitting on a balcony quietly reading a book is Coppélia, “daughter” of the eccentric Dr. Coppélius. When Swanhilda leaves her house that day, she notices the girl and tries to get her attention, but she receives no response.
Also vying for Coppélia’s attention is Franz, Swanhilda’s betrothed. Swanhilda is bothered by his behavior and convinced that her boyfriend is more interested in the girl on the balcony. She shakes an ear of wheat but does not hear the rattling that would indicate that Franz loves her. Upset, she runs off leaving the town’s festivities.
Later that day several boys heckle Dr. Coppélius in front of his home and he drops his keys amidst the chaos. Upon finding them later on, Swanhilda and a group of her friends decide to enter the doctor’s place to find out once and for all why the girl on the balcony won’t look up from her book.
ACT II, SCENE 1: Dr. Coppélius’House
The girls sneak into the house only to discover that they are not alone. Upon further investigation they realize that it is not people who join them, but rather life-size dolls. Swanhilda goes out to the balcony and doubles over in laughter when she sees that the object of Franz’s eye is in fact a doll as well. Feeling mischievous, the girls wind up all the dolls. Yet their play is interrupted when Dr. Coppélius returns. He shoos them away, but one stays behind – Swanhilda.
Meanwhile, Franz’s own curiosity has encouraged him to climb a ladder into Dr. Coppélius’ home. Being that the eccentric needs a human soul to transfer to his “daughter” in order to bring her to life, he invites Franz to stay. He drugs him into a sleep and then sets out to work his magic.
In order to not blow her cover, Swanhilda puts on Coppélia’s clothes and plays along with Dr. Coppélius’ spells. She uses an opportunity to wake Franz and the two succeed in making up and escaping.
ACT II, SCENE 2: Dr. Coppélius’House
Swanhilda and Franz’s wedding day has arrived, but their ceremony is interrupted by an angry Dr. Coppélius who wants money for the damages caused in his home. Ultimately, the mayor pays and the celebration continues.
(Classical ballets have evolved over time, lending themselves to different interpretations as choreographers and directors create works that reflect their visions of the story. The above is intended to provide general information; for details on different versions, click on each of the performances below.)
★ Who composed the music for Coppélia?
The musical score for Coppélia was composed by Léo Delibes.
★ Find Coppélia Performances Near You
Queensland Ballet: Coppélia
Queensland Ballet: Coppélia
New York City Ballet: Coppélia
New York City Ballet: Coppélia
★ Recent Coppélia Stories
Find more news on The Ballet Herald YouTube Channel.
★ Watch Coppélia Online
Choreography by: Sergey Vikharev, after Marius Petipa and Enrico Cecchetti
CAST
- Swanilda: Margarita Shrayner
- Franz: Artem Ovcharenko
- Coppélius: Alexey Loparevich
- Lord of Manor: Alexander Fadeyechev
- Burgomaster: Yuri Ostrovsky
- Chronos: Nikolay Mayorov
- Mazurka: Oksana Sharova, Alexander Vodopetov, Ekaterina Besedina, Dmitry Ekaterinin
- Czardas: Kristina Karasyova, Vitali Biktimirov
- Aurora: Anastasia Denisova
- Prayer: Antonina Chapkina
- Work: Daria Bochkova, Ksenia Averina, Maria Mishina, Stanislava Postnova, Tatiana Tiliguzova
- Folly: Elizaveta Kruteleva
Choreography by: Patrice Bart
CAST
- Swanilda: Dorothée Gilbert
- Frantz: Mathias Heymann
- Coppélius: José Martinez
- Spalanzani: Fabrice Bourgeois
Choreography by: Ninette De Valois
Directed by: Kevin O'Hare
CAST
- Swanilda: Marianela Nuñez
- Franz: Vadim Muntagirov
- Doctor Coppelius: Gary Avis
- The Burgomaster: Christopher Saunders
- The Innkeeper: Erico Montes
Choreography by: Ted Bransen
Directed by: Jeff Tudor, Steven De Beul, Ben Tesseur
CAST
- Swan: Michaela DePrince
- Franz: Daniel Camargo
- Doctor Coppelius: Vito Mazzeo
