Enchanted Eyes

A children’s ballet set to music by W. A. Mozart, *Enchanted Eyes* is a contemporary, Mozartian and light-hearted story of true friendship and first love. Inspired by E. T. A. Hoffmann’s tale *The Sandman* and the classical ballet *Coppélia*, it tells of sincere human friendship that no machine, however human-like, can replace. One of the ballet’s main characters is the eccentric Professor Coppelius. His greatest wish and goal is to make everyone happy so they can live in harmony and never argue. The professor dreams of creating a powerful robot empire. The robots will become people’s helpers, friends and loved ones, and order and peace will reign in the world! Clara and Nathanael, who live in the same neighbourhood, are best friends. These rascals are constantly playing, making noise and arguing in the courtyard because their interests and wishes do not always match. One day, they have a terrible quarrel. The professor, who has secretly been watching their conflict, stages a parade of his handmade dolls for Nathanael, who is left alone. Nathanael is speechless when he sees the beautiful Olympia—a doll with whom it is impossible to quarrel. When Clara sees Nathanael spending time with another girl, she is distraught. The professor hurries to help once again. He offers Clara the chance to choose a new friend who will always be by her side and do everything she wishes. But Clara resists the doll’s charms and, devising a clever plan, decides to win Nathanael back. The performance is intended for children aged 5–12. Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes (with 1 interval). Premiere: 17 December 2022.