Libretto by Yevhen Lysyk, Semen Drechyn, choreography by Semen Drechyn
An inspiring ballet story about passionate love!
Experience the breathtaking story by Victor Hugo about the beautiful Esmeralda and the hunchback Quasimodo presented in the ballet “Esmeralda” to the music by Cesare Pugni.
The emotional plot is brought to life by talented ballet dancers from Lviv National Opera, who portray the characters’ intense love, sacrifice, and jealousy. The colourful crowd scenes and striking costumes add to the excitement and spectacle of the show.
Marvel at the grand scenery, including the towering cathedral that serves as the backdrop to the main characters’ life drama. This ballet is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling through dance.
| Choreographer |
Semеn Drechyn народний артист Білорусії |
| Ballet master of the revival |
Natalia Slobodian People's Artist of Ukraine |
| Conductor of the revival |
Volodymyr Garbaruk |
| Conductor |
Yurii Bervetskyi Honored artist of Ukraine |
| Scenography |
Yevhen Lysyk People's Artist of Ukraine, Laureate of the Shevchenko National Prize |
| Designer of the revival |
Tadey Ryndzak People's Artist of Ukraine |
| Costume of the revival |
Oksana Zinchenko Honored Artist of Ukraine |
Gudula is praying in Notre Dame de Paris. The lonely almost insane woman is looking for her only daughter who has been stolen by strangers. There is begging for help in her prayers.
Spring Feast in full swing. Election of the “pope” of buffoons begins. A bell-ringer of the cathedral ugly hunchback Quasimodo wins the elections. Citizens’ leader Claupen Trulfau is putting “a tiara” on his head. Clergyman Claude Frollo stops that gaiety. Gipsy Esmeralda attracts attention of the crowd. Claude cannot stop looking at a young beauty either. Being blinded with her beauty, he orders the bell-ringer to steal Esmeralda. Fortunately, she is saved by a night watch under the command of the officer Phoebus de Chataupeur. Quasimodo is taken to prison and is chained to pillory for an attempt to steal Esmeralda. The crowd is scoffing at him, only Esmeralda sympathizes with him and gives him some water. However she is afraid of his ugliness.
High society ball. In a mystery play the hostess is acting a part of Queen of the Night. Courteous officer Phoebus de Chataupeur is the centre of attention of guests. Mystery play disappears and Phoebus meets Esmeralda again. Claude in passion watches the lovers closely. He loses his temper and kills Phoebus.
Sermon in the cathedral. Claude threatens sinners with the divine scourge and nobody believes that this very man is the assassin.
Esmeralda, enfeebled by tortures, is in prison. Claude offers her salvation in return for her love. However Esmeralda rejects his soliciting.
The square in front of the cathedral. Esmeralda is waiting for execution. Quasimodo steals her and hides her in the bell tower. Claude for the last time asks the beautiful gipsy to favour him with love. She refuses again. And he takes Esmeralda to inquisition.
The crowd is gathering in the square in front of the cathedral where the execution will be held. Gudula recognizes Esmeralda as her daughter.
The mother pleads inquisitors to grant life to her daughter in vain; fire starts burning… But it cannot separate the mother and her daughter who remain motionless embracing each other.
Quasimodo’s sorrow is infinite. In despair he rings the bells and their echo sounds as protest of his soul against cruelty and lack of rights, as sympathy for the miserable and oppressed people.
La Esmeralda is a ballet, inspired by the novel Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo, choreographed by People Artist of Belarus Semen Drechin in 1988. Now this production is favorite for fans of ballet art. La Esmeralda has a passionate atmosphere, perfect choreography, gripping plot and fascinating sets designed by People Artist of Ukraine, Shevchenko National Prize laureate Yevhen Lysyk. The ballet tells the story about beautiful Esmeralda, who was kidnapped and brought up by the Gypsies.
La Esmeralda is a pride of our theatre, a pearl of ballet art, which captures the imagination and leaves the audience an overwhelming impression.
| Esmeralda |
Anastasia Bondar Daryna Kirik |
| Claude Frollo |
Andriy Mykhalikha Dmytro Kolomiets Arsen Marusenko |
| Officer Phoebus |
Serhiy Kachura Honored artist of Ukraine Oleksandr Omelchenko Honored Artist of Ukraine Serhiy Aleksandrov Arsen Marusenko |
| Quasimodo |
Andriy Mykhalikha Andriy Havrin |
| Gudula |
Yuliya Yermolenko ballet inspector |
| Queen of the Night |
Maryna Hulega Victoria Zvarych Yuliya Mykhalikha Nataliya Pelo |
| Violine solo |
Yurii Voitynskyi Andriy Chaikovskyy |