Nostalgia onstage

The Theater of J.K. Tyl, based in Plzeň, is bringing a very pleasant surprise to Prague.

The Czech National Ballet, under the leadership of Petr Zuska, doesn't perform many classic ballets, instead focusing on more contemporary work. So it is a welcome departure that the Plzeň theater is bringing pure, classical technique back to the stage of the National Theater in the form of Coppélia, a comic ballet choreographed in 1870 by Artur Saint-Léon. The piece premiered in Prague Jan. 6 and now has four additional performances.

No discussion of romantic ballet is complete without Coppélia, a nostalgic story of a puppet that is brought to life. Composer Léo Delibes' music was inspired by two fairy tales by E.T.A. Hoffmann: Der Sandmann (The Sandman) and Die Puppe (The Doll). The sanguine and optimistic Coppélia is possibly the best of the composer's opuses. Nowadays, Coppélia belongs alongside Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty as one of the most often staged classical ballets around the world, thanks mainly to its music, though it has been staged in the Czech Republic only rarely.

Jiří Pokorný, head of ballet at the Theater of J.K. Tyl, who choreographed the ballet in 2007, has managed to keep the spirit and atmosphere of the original piece while employing gags that make the performance a sparkling comedy. What was most important to him was to allow the score to determine his choreography. This mixture of faith in the original ballet and modern innovation has made Coppélia a hit with audiences, Pokorný tells The Prague Post.

"Audiences like and are accustomed to the classical repertoire, and Coppélia didn't appear in Plzeň for almost a quarter of a century. To stage a new production was also a challenge for our ballet troupe; Coppélia means a great opportunity for a ballet ensemble to show its precision and prowess in its classical repertoire," he says.

The Theater of J.K. Tyl's staging of Coppélia is decidedly classical, featuring sets and costumes by famous designer Jiří Jelínek. The scenery is quite conservative and descriptive, even archaic, evoking the fashions of eras past. On the other hand, Jelínek's costumes are fresh, colorful and pleasing to the eye, giving the production a fabulous atmosphere.

Jarmila Dycková, whose natural dance style is the driving force of the ballet's action, takes advantage of the comic elements of her role as Svanilda. Together with her partner Martin Šinták in the role of Franz, they make a perfect couple. Richard Ševčík as the shoemaker glitters in several impressive dance numbers. He is an outstanding talent who has worked his way into the finals of international ballet competitions, not only as a performer, but also as a choreographer.

Under Pokorný's leadership, the Plzeň company has been steadily moving foreward. It is a shame that there was no real publicity for the first Prague production of Coppélia, as the National Theater wasn't quite full for the debut performance. The second and third performances in February are selling out quickly, however, so if you don't already have tickets, now is the time.

Audiences love Coppélia, a pleasant and varied performance with beautiful music. After the January performance, the Plzeň company was awarded an intoxicating round of applause and enthusiasm from the audience. Subsequent shows at the National Theater will offer the same first-rate entertainment. For lovers of ballet, this is a treat worth sampling again and again.

Johana Mücková can be reached at
features@praguepost.com