The story of
Coppélia explores a young man's passion for a beautiful girl who turns out to be a mechanical doll, exploring a popular mythological theme of creating a being who is more perfect and tantalizing than any human counterpart.
From start to finish, Maguy Marin's Coppélia is a hugely entertaining and constantly surprising piece of dance theater. Marin transposes the piece from its original rustic setting to a modern, run-down urban environment and adds an edgy new twist to the story.
In 1994 the Opéra National de Lyon performed Léo Delibes’s ballet Coppélia under the choreography of Maguy Martin. The set was designed by Renaud Gaulot, costumes by Montserrat Casanova, with lighting by Jørgen S. Johannessen. Kent Nagano conducted the Orchestra of the Opéra National.
"...there's lots of talent on display. Choreographer Maguy Marin is an artist of such virtuosity that even when the dancing goes against the grain of the material and the music, it is still stunning. On the soundtrack, conductor Kent Nagano leads the superb Lyon National Opera Orchestra in well-chosen excerpts from Delibes's score, and Philippe Durand has fashioned a compelling film out of Marin's unique vision. The Lyon National Opera Ballet dancers are without exception outstanding, and Francoise Joullie plays the title role with amazing aplomb."
- Kevin Filipski, Tower Records
