March 12, 2007

Singapore Dance Theatre Brings Coppelia To Life

By PC

Singapore Dance Theatre's latest production is the well-loved full-length classical ballet, Coppelia, a story that delves into the mind of a weird scientist Dr Coppelius, who has created a menagerie of ugly-beautiful creations that he yearns to bring to life.

Set against an agrarian Western village, this sentimental comic ballet concerns a mysterious and faintly diabolical inventor, Doctor Coppelius who has a wondrously unnerving collection of sinister dolls in his secret laboratory that he desires to breathe life into. One of his prized possessions is a life-size dancing doll he fondly names Coppelia. With his abundant creativity, the doctor manages to animate her and puts her out on his balcony.

On one of her sittings in the sun, Coppelia is noticed by Franz -- a handsome young villager and fiancée to Swanilda, the daughter of the town's burgomaster. Charmed by her beauty, Franz flirts and blows kisses at Coppelia, unaware that she is nothing but a doll. His betrayal is witnessed by Swanilda, who is outraged at his cheating behavior a day before their wedding.

With a stroke of luck, Swanilda finds the key to Doctor Coppelius' laboratory. Piqued by her jealously she breaks into the mysterious house to find out what goes on inside -- and to meet this strange young woman. Upon her entrance into his house, she discovers the many charming automations the doctor has created and is delighted to find out that Coppelia is in fact a mechanical doll and she has nothing to worry about.

Alas! Swanilda's break-in is interrupted by Doctor Coppelius who is extremely agitated by this intruder. Frightened, she tries to flee but ends up getting trapped in his alcove. Franz suddenly appears on the balcony in a bid to win Coppelia's heart. The Doctor seizes him and drugs him in an attempt to transfer Franz's 'life-force' to Coppelia so he will finally have someone to share his lonely life with.

Will good triumph over evil in this fairytale?

Details

Title: Coppelia
Date: March 23-25, 2007
Time: 8pm
Venue: Victoria Theatre
Tickets: $58, $48, $38 and $28 available at SISTIC outlets, SISTIC Hotline: 6348-5555 and SISTIC website: www.sistic.com.sg and SDT office from at 6338-0611 or ticketing@singaporedancetheatre.com. No entry for infants in arms and children below 3 years old. Children from 3 years old will require a ticket for entry. For discount schemes, please visit the SISTIC website.