Sylvia
Following a sell out run at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe, Edinburgh Ballet Theatre returned in June May 2025 to present our production Sylvia. Set to the legendary music by Léo Delibes, this ballet is modern retelling of the greek myth full of drama and bravery.
Cover photo by Roddy Simpson
Stage Rehearsal photos by Perry Jonsson
A tale of bravery...
Our adaptation of Sylvia
Act 1, A Summer's Day
As dawn breaks on a summer's day, the Nymphs and Fauns explore the morning light, while the huntresses and villagers rejoice over a successful hunt. As the evening comes, Sylvia enjoys a walk only to be captured by the great hunter Orion. After watching the capture Aminta, a onlooking shepherd, sets off to find Sylvia with the help of Eros, the God of Love.
Act 2, Orion's Grotto
Orion has trapped Sylvia in his Grotto where he tries to win her over with offerings of gifts. She can not be swayed. Determined to escape, Sylvia comes up with a plan to get Orion and his servants drunk, unknowing that help is on the way. As Sylvia is escaping, Aminta and Eros arrive to help take her back home.
Act 3, Festival of Dance
Meanwhile back in the village, the villagers are celebrating Terpsichore, the Goddess of Dance before Eros presents Sylvia back to the village. They do not have long to celebrate before Orion come back for Sylvia. Determined not to be recaptured Sylvia fights Orion with the help of Eros and Aminta and kills Orion. Disturbed by the violence, Diana, goddess of wild animals and the hunt, is aggrieved with Sylvia for killing Orion until she learns of her capture. The village rejoices as Sylvia is safe.
Credits
Sylvia directed by Vanessa Smer Baretto and Rachel Clowes.
Choreographed Rachel Clowes, Vanessa Smer-Barreto and Ashley Cheung.