Although different productions have cast the
kingdom of King Florestan and his Queen in
varying centuries, it is really a storybook kingdom set in the realm of the imagination. In
the Prologue, the hall of the palace where the
christening is about to take place is resplendent with color, and imposing with its high
ceilings and great stone archways. The master
of ceremonies, pages, heralds, ladies in waiting, and finally the King and Queen all promenade into the royal setting, looking most
distinguished in their elaborate dress. Next,
the fairies of the kingdom join the scene of
courtly pageantry with the Lilac Fairy, six cavaliers and maids of honor entering
last. All dance in honor of the King and Queen
and baby Aurora, about to be christened.
Each of the fairies dances her own solo, presenting a gift to the Princess. Just as the Lilac
Fairy finishes her dance a strange and fright-
INSIGHT
ening rumble is heard. Its meaning soon becomes clear: the master of ceremonies has
forgotten to invite the evil Fairy Carabosse!
The grotesque woman, her face a white mask,
her long dress black and tattered, enters in
a huge black coach drawn by four ugly rats.
Stepping down, she gesticulates with her
hand and threatens with her stick that they
will have to pay the price for their omission.
In mime, she delivers the ominous curse that
the Princess will prick her finger on a spindle
and die. The master of ceremonies is in disgrace, the King and Queen are in despair. But
the Lilac Fairy has not given her the gift. She
steps forward and assures the royal court that
on her 16th Birthday the princess will indeed
prick her finger, but then fall asleep for 100
years. Carabosse speeds off in a rage while
the others surround the infant's cradle as if to
protect her from further harm.
February 2015
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