LA DAME AUX CAMÉLIAS

THE RESONANCES OF A ROMANTIC HEROINE

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

With La Dame aux Camélias, Peter Quanz revisits a classic of French literature. In this realistic novel, Alexandre Dumas fils portrays a heroine of exemplary soulfulness. Based on a true story of passion, this work has been adapted for theater, opera and film since its publication in 1848. Peter Quanz has taken the essence of the novel and conceived a two-act ballet whose narrative unfolds through four tableaux: Love, Sacrifice, Abyss and Passing. The company’s dancers are given magnificent, dramatic and realistic roles.

The enchantment of a romantic show

Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century Parisian bourgeoisie, where wealthy men mingle with courtesans, this tale of impossible love features a mythical couple, the sublime and scandalous Marguerite Gautier and her young lover, Armand Duval. Their relationship is recounted through love letters, sensual embraces and, ultimately, loss – an ideal breeding ground for a sentimental ballet! Quanz's ability to innovate with neo-classical, romantic choreography will offer Montreal audiences a piece of mesmerizing beauty and emotional vulnerability.

Camellias, symbols of elegance and purity

The fleeting and fragile beauty of the camellia, with its blossom lasting only a day, inspired costume designer Anne Armit and set designer Michael Gianfrancesco to evoke the essence of Parisian aesthetics and worldliness.

Lyrical, lively and dramatic musical alchemy

The musical score originated from a collaboration between Peter Quanz and Florian Ziemen,, who conducted composer research and arranged the music. Works by Carl Maria Von Weber and composers from various eras such as Lili Boulanger, Fanny Mendelssohn, and Clara Schumann will be brought to life by Les Grand Ballets Orchestra conducted by Dina Gilbert.

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.