Francette Levieux / OnP

Ballet

La Fille mal gardée

Frederick Ashton

Palais Garnier

from 15 March to 01 April 2024

2h05 with 1 interval

La Fille mal gardée

Palais Garnier - from 15 March to 01 April 2024

Synopsis

Listen to the synopsis

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La Fille mal gardée recounts the triumph of thwarted love thanks to cunning. This ballet-pantomime, created by Jean Dauberval in July 1789 at the Grand-Théâtre de Bordeaux, has inspired many choreographers throughout history with its childlike universe and its lighthearted vision of the peasant world. In 1960, the English choreographer Frederick Ashton's virtuoso and humorous version set roosters, old ladies and umbrellas dancing. A gallery of irresistible characters perform to the sound of popular songs and opera buffa arias. A fine example of the "ballet d'action" theorised in 1760 by Jean-Georges Noverre, a choreographic genre that emphasises expressiveness, La Fille mal gardée dazzles and entertains thanks to its sheer freshness. Bet it in the farmyard or the cornfield, the hearts of Lise and Colas search for and eventually find each other. In the manner of a musical, the original script, reworked by Ashton, carries us away with its whimsy and smiles.

Duration : 2h05 with 1 interval

Show acts and characters

CHARACTERS

Lise
Colas
Widow Simone
Thomas: Alain’s father
Alain: The suitor
A dancer with a flute
The Rooster

The Notary
His assistant
Four Hens
Lise’s friends
Colas’ friends
Two Peasants
Male and Female dancers

First part

Act 1:
Scene 1: The farmyard
The dawn of a busy day on the farm is heralded by the cock and his attendant hens. Lise, disappointed at not seeing Colas, leaves a ribbon tied in a lover’s knot as a token of her devotion. Colas finds it and binds it to his staff. The lovers meet, but are interrupted by Simone, who sets her daughter a task churning butter. Colas, hiding in the loft, joins her. The work is shared and then forgotten as they declare their love. The farm girls summon Lise to play, but her mind is elsewhere.

Her suspicious and ever- watchful mother catches hold of her and chastizes her. Just then Thomas, the pompous and wealthy proprietor of a vineyard, arrives with his son Alain. Simone, aware of their mission, dismisses Lise, and Thomas asks for her hand for his son. When Lise returns, Alain coyly and clumsily shows off his paces. She is amused and a little shocked by his antics, but not interested. They set off for the harvest.

Scene 2: The cornfield
It is harvest time and, after working in the fields, the harvesters, led by Colas, relax in a joyful dance. Lise and Alain dance, but Colas intervenes, and the young girl makes it clear where her preference lies. One of the harvesters plays the flute, to everybody’s general delight, and Alain thinks he will have a try; but the harvesters mock him and he is rescued from their horseplay by his indignant father. The field is now left clear for the triumphant Colas, who dances with Lise. Simone joins in the merriment of the harvesters. Suddenly they are interrupted by a storm that drenches them, scattering them far and wide.

Second part

Act 2:
Interior of the farmhouse
Mother and daughter, soaked by the storm, return to the farmhouse. They sit down to spin; work, thinks the mother, should keep Lise out of mischief. But she is overcome by sleep, and Lise, who has seen Colas through the gate, tries to take the key from her. Simone wakes up and, in order to remain watchful, plays the tambourine for Lise to dance. But the taps grow feebler, she begins to nod, and now she is fast asleep. Colas opens the top part of the farmhouse door and leans towards Lise. She runs joyfully into his arms.

The knocking of the harvesters, coming for their pay, awakens Simone. Simone tells her daughter to get on with her chores as she leaves to give the harvesters a drink. Lise, thinking she is alone, dreams of the delights of married life. Colas cannot resist, and comes out from hiding. She is bashful at having been taken by surprise, but once again they declare their love, exchanging scarves as a token. As Simone reappears, Lise hustles Colas into her bedroom. The ever-suspicious mother realizes that the lovers have been meeting, and in her turn hustles Lise into the bedroom, locking the door. Alain and his father now arrive with a notary to complete the contract. When it has been signed,

Simone hands Alain the bedroom key. After a moment of idiotic indecision, he opens the door and to everyone’s dismay Colas and Lise come out. The lovers fall on their knees to ask Simone for forgiveness and a blessing. In spite of Thomas and Alain, she finally gives in amid general rejoicing.  

Artists

Ballet in two acts

Choreography after Jean Dauberval

Creative team

Cast

  • Thursday 14 March 2024 at 19:30
  • Friday 15 March 2024 at 19:30
  • Saturday 16 March 2024 at 19:30
  • Monday 18 March 2024 at 19:30
  • Tuesday 19 March 2024 at 19:30
  • Wednesday 20 March 2024 at 19:30
  • Thursday 21 March 2024 at 19:30
  • Sunday 24 March 2024 at 14:30
  • Monday 25 March 2024 at 19:30
  • Tuesday 26 March 2024 at 19:30
  • Wednesday 27 March 2024 at 19:30
  • Saturday 30 March 2024 at 19:30
  • Sunday 31 March 2024 at 19:30
  • Monday 01 April 2024 at 14:30

Latest update 03 October 2022, cast is likely to change.

Latest update 03 October 2022, cast is likely to change.

Latest update 03 October 2022, cast is likely to change.

Latest update 03 October 2022, cast is likely to change.

Latest update 03 October 2022, cast is likely to change.

Latest update 03 October 2022, cast is likely to change.

Latest update 03 October 2022, cast is likely to change.

Latest update 03 October 2022, cast is likely to change.

Latest update 03 October 2022, cast is likely to change.

Latest update 03 October 2022, cast is likely to change.

Latest update 03 October 2022, cast is likely to change.

Latest update 03 October 2022, cast is likely to change.

Latest update 03 October 2022, cast is likely to change.

Latest update 03 October 2022, cast is likely to change.

The Étoiles, the Premières Danseuses, the Premiers Danseurs and the Paris Opera Corps de Ballet
The Paris Opera Orchestra

Media

[TRAILER] LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE by Frederick Ashton
[TRAILER] LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE by Frederick Ashton
  • Draw-me La Fille mal gardée

    Draw-me La Fille mal gardée

    Watch the video

  • A whimsical ballet: Marine Ganio et Jack Gasztowtt rehearse La Fille mal gardée

    A whimsical ballet: Marine Ganio et Jack Gasztowtt rehearse La Fille mal gardée

    Watch the video

  • Becoming Widow Simone

    Becoming Widow Simone

    Watch the video

Draw-me La Fille mal gardée

Watch the video

Understand the plot in 1 minute

1:11 min

Draw-me La Fille mal gardée

By Matthieu Pajot

A whimsical ballet: Marine Ganio et Jack Gasztowtt rehearse La Fille mal gardée

Watch the video

4:44 min

A whimsical ballet: Marine Ganio et Jack Gasztowtt rehearse La Fille mal gardée

By Antony Desvaux

On the occasion of the revival of La Fille mal gardée at the Paris Opera, Marine Ganio and Jack Gasztowtt discuss the solo roles of Lise and Colas, which they perform on stage.

The two dancers explain the humorous yet virtuoso nature of this ballet, created in 1789 by Jean Dauberval, remounted in 1960 by Frederick Ashton, and added to the Paris Opéra repertoire in 2002.

Marine Ganio discusses her work in the studio and the importance of not overplaying the farcical elements at the heart of the story. Jack Gasztowtt talks about rehearsing the pas de deux with an unusual prop, a long ribbon that wraps around the dancers. The two performers share what the ribbon symbolizes for them.

Becoming Widow Simone

Watch the video

The wayward daughter’s backstages

2:51 min

Becoming Widow Simone

By Aliénor de Foucaud, Felipe Sanguinetti

One of the work's central characters, Widow Simone brings comic relief to Frederick Ashton's pantomime ballet La Fille mal gardée. In the makeup workshops, Simon Valastro slips into the skin of this colorful character.

  • [EXTRAIT] LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE (Léonore Baulac, Guillaume Diop)
  • [EXTRAIT] LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE (danse des claquettes)
  • [EXTRAIT] LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE (Léonore Baulac, Guillaume Diop)
  • [EXTRAIT] LA FILLE MAL GARDÉE (Léonore Baulac, Guillaume Diop)
  • La Fille mal gardée - Frederick Ashton (extrait)

  • La Fille mal gardée - Frederick Ashton (extrait)

  • La Fille mal gardée - Frederick Ashton (extrait)

Press

  • The Paris Opera Ballet revives "La Fille mal gardée", a masterpiece of the classical repertoire and an international best-seller.

    Classic agenda, 2018
  • All [the dancers] have a field day in this celebration of rural life. The euphoria is contagious!

    Classic agenda, 2018
  • This ballet is also an entertainment for all audiences, and like in Disney or Pixar movies, provides funny characters intended to make the younger ones smile.

    Resmusica, 2018
  • Everything is absolutely delicious, dynamic and brisk, with a rural feel that makes you want to immediately rush to the countryside.

    Resmusica, 2018

Access and services

Palais Garnier

Place de l'Opéra

75009 Paris

Public transport

Underground Opéra (lignes 3, 7 et 8), Chaussée d’Antin (lignes 7 et 9), Madeleine (lignes 8 et 14), Auber (RER A)

Bus 20, 21, 27, 29, 32, 45, 52, 66, 68, 95, N15, N16

Calculate my route
Car park

Q-Park Edouard VII16 16, rue Bruno Coquatrix 75009 Paris

Book your parking spot
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Frederick Ashton’s version, created in 1960 for London’s Royal Ballet, entered the Paris Opera’s repertoire in 2007 thus bringing together the French and Anglo‑Russian traditions. Creating a world reminiscent of childhood that one might easily imagine populated by the characters of La Fontaine’s Fables, he punctuates his choreography with endearing details drawn from La Fille mal gardée’s myriad tales, such as pretty silk ribbons and precious jewels which in the 18th century, were emblematic of social cohesion and a testimony to the fidelity of love.

BUY THE PROGRAM
  • Cloakrooms

    Free cloakrooms are at your disposal. The comprehensive list of prohibited items is available here.

  • Bars

    Reservation of drinks and light refreshments for the intervals is possible online up to 24 hours prior to your visit, or at the bars before each performance.

  • Restaurant

    CoCo is open every day from 12:00 pm to 2:00 am. More information on coco-paris.com or at +33 1 42 68 86 80 (reservations).

  • Parking

    You can park your car at the Q-Park Edouard VII. It is located at Rue Bruno Coquatrix 75009 Paris (in front of 23 Rue de Caumartin).

    BOOK YOUR PARKING PLACE.

At the Palais Garnier, buy €10 tickets for seats in the 6th category (very limited visibility, two tickets maximum per person) on the day of the performance at the Box offices.

In both our venues, discounted tickets are sold at the box offices from 30 minutes before the show:

  • €25 tickets for under-28s, unemployed people (with documentary proof less than 3 months old) and senior citizens over 65 with non-taxable income (proof of tax exemption for the current year required)
  • €40 tickets for senior citizens over 65

Get samples of the operas and ballets at the Paris Opera gift shops: programmes, books, recordings, and also stationery, jewellery, shirts, homeware and honey from Paris Opera.

Palais Garnier
  • Every day from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and until performances end
  • Get in from Place de l’Opéra or from within the theatre’s public areas
  • For more information: +33 1 53 43 03 97

Palais Garnier

Place de l'Opéra

75009 Paris

Public transport

Underground Opéra (lignes 3, 7 et 8), Chaussée d’Antin (lignes 7 et 9), Madeleine (lignes 8 et 14), Auber (RER A)

Bus 20, 21, 27, 29, 32, 45, 52, 66, 68, 95, N15, N16

Calculate my route
Car park

Q-Park Edouard VII16 16, rue Bruno Coquatrix 75009 Paris

Book your parking spot
super alt text
super alt text
super alt text
super alt text
super alt text
super alt text
super alt text
super alt text
super alt text
super alt text

Frederick Ashton’s version, created in 1960 for London’s Royal Ballet, entered the Paris Opera’s repertoire in 2007 thus bringing together the French and Anglo‑Russian traditions. Creating a world reminiscent of childhood that one might easily imagine populated by the characters of La Fontaine’s Fables, he punctuates his choreography with endearing details drawn from La Fille mal gardée’s myriad tales, such as pretty silk ribbons and precious jewels which in the 18th century, were emblematic of social cohesion and a testimony to the fidelity of love.

BUY THE PROGRAM
  • Cloakrooms

    Free cloakrooms are at your disposal. The comprehensive list of prohibited items is available here.

  • Bars

    Reservation of drinks and light refreshments for the intervals is possible online up to 24 hours prior to your visit, or at the bars before each performance.

  • Restaurant

    CoCo is open every day from 12:00 pm to 2:00 am. More information on coco-paris.com or at +33 1 42 68 86 80 (reservations).

  • Parking

    You can park your car at the Q-Park Edouard VII. It is located at Rue Bruno Coquatrix 75009 Paris (in front of 23 Rue de Caumartin).

    BOOK YOUR PARKING PLACE.

At the Palais Garnier, buy €10 tickets for seats in the 6th category (very limited visibility, two tickets maximum per person) on the day of the performance at the Box offices.

In both our venues, discounted tickets are sold at the box offices from 30 minutes before the show:

  • €25 tickets for under-28s, unemployed people (with documentary proof less than 3 months old) and senior citizens over 65 with non-taxable income (proof of tax exemption for the current year required)
  • €40 tickets for senior citizens over 65

Get samples of the operas and ballets at the Paris Opera gift shops: programmes, books, recordings, and also stationery, jewellery, shirts, homeware and honey from Paris Opera.

Palais Garnier
  • Every day from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and until performances end
  • Get in from Place de l’Opéra or from within the theatre’s public areas
  • For more information: +33 1 53 43 03 97

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3 min

La Fille mal gardée

La Fille mal gardée in 5 costumes

La Fille mal gardée is set in the countryside: the mood is peaceful, and it's harvest time. The year is 1789, a few weeks before the storming of the Bastille. Do you have any idea what people wore in those days? Follow me as I share 5 costumes with you.

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