Les Grands Ballets presents

La Dame aux camélias

“Be good, be young, be true! Evil is nothing but vanity.” – Alexandre Dumas fils

Les Grands Ballets is pleased to welcome back choreographer Peter Quanz to revisit the iconic La Dame aux camélias by Alexandre Dumas fils. This novel, which has inspired many an artist in all fields since it was penned in 1848, centres on the relationship between courtesan Marguerite Gauthier and the young bourgeois Armand Duval. Their story is told in love letters, passionate embraces, and ultimately, loss and scorn— ideal material for a romantic ballet!

Through this two-act Neoclassical ballet, Peter Quanz explores emotional vulnerability, inspired by the fragile and ephemeral beauty of camellias. The costumes and set design evoke the glamour and elegance of Parisian salons, while an exclusive orchestral score features compositions by female composers from different epochs.

With: Les Grands Ballets Orchestra, 43 musicians and soloists of the highest calibre

Synopsis

Prologue
Three couples appear. Embodying Marguerite & Armand, these fated lovers from Alexandre Dumas fils’ La Dame aux Camélias will sequentially evoke the epic’s themes – Love, Sacrifice, and Abyss.

Love
Armand Duval, a young man from the 19th-century Parisian bourgeoisie, falls passionately in love with Marguerite Gautier, a highly admired courtesan patronised by The Duke. Despite societal prejudices and disapproval, true love between Marguerite & Armand ignites. They retreat to the countryside and experience a quiet, simple devotion.

Sacrifice
Mr. Duval, Armand’s father, implores Marguerite to renounce this controversial and scandalous love in order to preserve his son’s reputation. Marguerite acquiesces and betrays Armand.

INTERMISSION

Abyss
Believing that Marguerite has abandoned him, Armand is consumed by desolation and rage. Disillusioned, ostracized by society, and stripped of her love, Marguerite is eclipsed by Olympe, the new favourite of these societal bon-vivants. She falls into a state of emotional distress. In the darkest depths of despair, she experiences a surreal moment of ecstasy and solace.

Passing
The three Marguerite & Armand couples are reunited in death. Nurtured in her ultimate journey by Nanette, her devoted maid, Marguerite succumbs. As Marguerite’s image and words fade into a distant memory of ephemeral beauty, Armand grasps the depth of her devotion, sacrifice, and love.

Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier
Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 8:00pm
Friday, October 20, 2023 at 8:00pm
Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 8:00pm
Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 8:00pm
Friday, October 27, 2023 at 8:00pm
Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 2:00pm
Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 8:00pm

To purchase your tickets visit: www.placedesarts.com