Coppelia Synopsis 

Music by: Léo Delibes
Libretto by: Charles-Louis-Étienne Nuitter and Arthur Saint-Léon, inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s Der Sandmann
Setting: A rustic village in Eastern Europe, 19th century

Act I – The Village Square

In a peaceful, sunlit village, the townspeople go about their daily lives, filled with laughter, music, and simple joys. Among the villagers are Swanilda, a lively and spirited young woman, and her fiancé, Franz, a handsome but easily distracted young man.

Trouble brews when Franz becomes infatuated with a beautiful, silent girl who sits every day on the balcony of the reclusive toymaker, Dr. Coppélius. The girl, named Coppélia, is graceful and still, always absorbed in a book. Franz waves to her and even blows kisses, convinced she returns his affection. Swanilda is heartbroken and jealous, confused by Franz’s obsession with someone so cold and mysterious.

Swanilda’s suspicions grow, and the village children share spooky rumors about Dr. Coppélius—that he dabbles in dark magic or creates lifelike automatons. When the toymaker accidentally drops his key while locking up his home, Swanilda seizes her chance to uncover the truth. That evening, with a few brave friends, she sneaks into the mysterious house to confront the rival who has stolen Franz’s heart.

Act II – Inside Dr. Coppélius’s Workshop

The toymaker’s home is like a cabinet of curiosities, filled with bizarre inventions, ticking machines, and eerily lifelike mechanical dolls. Swanilda and her friends explore the dim, dusty workshop, fascinated and a little frightened by what they see. They discover that Coppélia is not a real woman, but a mechanical doll—so perfect in her craftsmanship that she fools even the sharpest eyes.

Suddenly, Dr. Coppélius returns. The girls scatter in panic, but Swanilda hides and watches. Moments later, Franz sneaks in, hoping to finally meet the girl of his dreams. Dr. Coppélius, catching him in the act, devises a strange plan. Obsessed with bringing his prized creation to life, he pretends to befriend Franz, offering him wine laced with a sleeping potion. Once Franz collapses, Coppélius attempts a magical ritual to transfer Franz’s life force into the lifeless doll.

Swanilda, realizing the danger, quickly disguises herself as Coppélia. As Dr. Coppélius performs his “spell,” Swanilda springs to life, dancing erratically and humorously, making the old man believe his dream has come true. Delighted, he urges her to walk, spin, and show emotion. Swanilda plays along with increasing mischief—mocking him, taunting him, and eventually causing havoc in the room.

When she finally reveals herself and wakes Franz, the truth is clear: the doll was never alive, only a beautiful illusion. Heartbroken and humiliated, Dr. Coppélius watches as the young lovers escape his workshop, laughing and reunited.

Act III – The Wedding Celebration

Back in the village, the mood is festive as Swanilda and Franz reconcile and prepare to be married. After the misadventures of the night before, Franz has learned his lesson about chasing fantasies. He now realizes that Swanilda, with her intelligence, wit, and fire, is the one he truly loves.

In a generous gesture of compassion, Swanilda offers her dowry to help Dr. Coppélius restore his workshop, extending kindness in place of resentment. The couple’s reunion is marked by a joyful outpouring of music and dance. Villagers perform a series of traditional dances, and Swanilda and Franz share a tender pas de deux that reflects their renewed love and mutual respect.

The ballet closes with the image of Swanilda and Franz surrounded by friends and laughter—a celebration of love grounded not in fantasy, but in truth and understanding.