Enchanted Eyes

A ballet for children set to music by W. A. Mozart, “Enchanted Eyes” is a modern, Mozartian and cheerful 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 much it resembles a human, 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 quarrel. The professor dreams of creating a powerful robot empire. The robots will become people’s helpers, friends and loved ones, bringing order and peace to the world! Clara and Nathaniel, who live in the neighbourhood, are best friends. These little rascals are always romping, making noise and arguing in the yard, because their interests and wishes do not always coincide. One day, they have a serious quarrel. The professor, who has secretly been watching their conflict, stages a parade of his own puppets for Nathaniel, who has been left alone. Nathaniel is speechless when he sees the beautiful Olympia—a doll with whom it is impossible to quarrel. When Clara sees Nathaniel spending time with another girl, she is distraught. Once again, the professor rushes to help. He offers Clara a new friend who will always be by her side and grant all her wishes. But Clara resists the doll’s charms and, having devised a clever plan, decides to win Nathaniel back. The performance is for children aged 5–12. ◴ Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes (with 1 interval). Premiere: 17 December 2022.