Capital Arts Festival
October 1 to 31, 2007

La Esmeralda ~The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo

Canadian Pacific Ballet is proud to present the classic La Esmeralda. This classic ballet tells the story of the gypsy girl, Esmeralda, who consents to marry the poet Gringoire to save him from death at the hands of the Truands. She tells him, however, that she has married him out of pity, not love. She is desired by the evil priest, Frollo, who attempts to abduct her with the help of Quasimodo. She is saved by the arrival of Captain Phoebus and his troops. Frollo unnoticed by Phoebus, disappears and his troops capture Quasimodo. Esmeralda pleads for his release, and treats him with kindness and care. Esmeralda falls in love with Phoebus who gives her his mantle to keep.

Accompanied by Gringoire, her husband, she goes to dance at the celebrations of an engagement. Once at the festivities she finds that the celebration is for Phoebus who is engaged to be married to the beautiful and wealthy Fleur de Lys.

Phoebus, charmed by her, agrees to meet her later. Frollo spies upon the meeting between Phoebus and Esmeralda. Jealously he stabs Phoebus and then escapes, so that Esmeralda is arrested for the murder. Quasimodo intervenes and kidnaps Esmeralda, taking her to the towers of Notre Dame. Frollo finds her there and promises to save her life if she will marry him, but she refuses and he takes her to the gallows to be hung. As Esmeralda is hung, Phoebus, whose wound was not mortal, appears proving her innocence, but it is too late.

Canadian Pacific Ballet is proud to bring this classic and tragic tale to Victoria residents and visitors as part of the Capital Arts Festival. With beautiful music, outstanding scenery and lighting and rich costumes, La Esmeralda is sure to be one the artistic highlights of the year.

Canadian Pacific Ballet - Canada's Romantic & Classical Ballet Company was founded in 2006 and has been recognized nationally for its uniqueness and praised for its devotion to the preservation of this time honored style of ballet.