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Home Famous Ballets

Coppélia

Learn about the characters, plot, music, interesting facts, and upcoming performances of Coppélia, one of the most famous classical ballets.

  • Who are the characters in Coppélia?
  • What is the story of Coppélia?
  • What is the music for Coppélia?
  • Where is Coppélia performed?
  • Related Stories
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  • Original Choreography: Arthur Saint-Léon
  • Musical Score: Léo Delibes
  • Based on: E.T.A. Hoffman's "Der Sandmann" ("The Sandman") and "Die Puppe" ("The Doll")

Coppélia Plot & Roles

*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 following is intended to provide general information; for details on different versions, click on each of the Coppélia performances below.

  • PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS IN COPPÉLIA (in alphabetical order)

 
Dr. Coppélius: A doctor and doll-maker


 
Franz: Betrothed to Swanhilda


 
Swanhilda: Betrothed to Franz


  • COPPÉLIA SYNOPSIS
⊙ 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, Coppélia 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.

★ INTERESTING FACT ★
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.
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Coppélia Music Playlist

Upcoming Coppélia Performances

23 - 26 February
New National Theater Tokyo
National Ballet of Japan Coppélia

National Ballet of Japan: Coppélia

1 Chome-1-1 Honmachi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0071, Japan

View Details
10 - 20 May
Bavarian State Opera
Bavarian State Ballet Coppélia

Bavarian State Ballet: Coppélia

Max-Joseph-Platz 2, 80539 München, Germany

View Details
11 - 14 May
Academy of Music
Philadelphia Ballet Coppélia

Philadelphia Ballet: Coppélia

240 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, United States

View Details
02 - 04 June
Dorothy Jemison Day Theater
Alabama Ballet Coppélia

Alabama Ballet: Coppélia

800 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203, United States

View Details
26 - 30 July
Gran Teatre del Liceu
Les Ballets de Monte Carlo Coppél-iA Barcelona

Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo: Coppél-iA

La Rambla, 51-59, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

View Details
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Famous Ballets
  • Cinderella
  • Coppélia
  • Don Quixote
  • Giselle
  • La Bayadère
  • La Sylphide
  • Romeo and Juliet
  • Swan Lake
  • The Nutcracker
  • The Sleeping Beauty
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