The Latvian National Ballet invites audiences to the premiere of La Esmeralda, a ballet by Cesare Pugni and Riccardo Drigo, choreographed by Aivars Leimanis, on April 10. The production team also includes choreographer's assistant and co-author Elza Leimane, set designer Mārtiņš Vilkārsis, costume designer Ilze Vītoliņa, lighting designer Oskars Pauliņš, and video artist -8.

The title role in the new production will be performed by Elza Leimane, Jūlija Brauere, or Sabīne Strokša. The main male roles will be danced by Philip Fedulov, Kārlis Cīrulis, Darius Florian Catana, Raimonds Martinovs, Viktors Seiko, Aeden William Conefrey, Finnian Patrick Hepting, Antons Freimans, Kristaps Jaunžeikars, and Aleksandrs Osadčijs. The role of Fleur-de-Lys will be performed by Alise Prudāne-Spridzāne or Emma Lagūna, Diana by Annija Kopštāle, and Jolanta Lubēja or Krista Štrausa.

The libretto of La Esmeralda is based on Victor Hugo's world-famous novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. The ballet was first introduced to audiences in 1844 in Jules Perrot’s choreography at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. The Latvian National Ballet first staged it in 1939 in a production by ballet master Osvalds Lēmanis. Aivars Leimanis’ La Esmeralda marks the fourth staging of this romantic story in Latvian ballet history.

The archdeacon of Notre Dame, Claude Frollo, desires the beautiful Esmeralda. However, the girl’s attention is caught by the dexterous captain Phoebus. The bellringer of the church, Quasimodo, also harbours warm feelings towards Esmeralda. Overcome by a jealous rage, Frollo wounds Phoebus though Esmeralda gets the blame, wrongfully subjected to a death penalty. Only the unfortunate Quasimodo continues to love Esmeralda with a pure heart until the end of his days.

"I am certain that classical ballet is the backbone of any large, respectable ballet troupe. That’s why I’ve chosen La Esmeralda – a monumentally classical ballet with a story that still speaks to the audience. I have attempted to create a modern, dynamic classical ballet with an intense plot, action and vivid characters. Our Esmeralda must be a dramatic actress with flawless classical dance technique. A larger choreographic focus in this production is dedicated to Fleur-de-Lys. The male roles, in particular, offer ample opportunity for dancers to showcase their talents, as the cast is so varied: Claude Frollo, consumed by forbidden passion; the handsome and charming Phœbus who frequents Parisian brothels; Quasimodo, who lives under Claude’s thumb yet experiences the sudden blossoming of feelings for Esmeralda; and the naïve poet Gringoire. For the first time, Agrippina Vaganova’s pas de deux of Diana and Actaeon has been incorporated into the production, presented as a mythological scene at a ball – adding another striking duet," says Aivars Leimanis, artistic director and choreographer of the Latvian National Ballet. In staging La Esmeralda, he collaborates with choreographer Elza Leimane, blending academic classical ballet with contemporary ballet language in the new production.

This season, La Esmeralda will also be performed on April 11 and 13, May 3, and June 11.

Most performances this season are nearly sold out, but tickets for the next season are still available at the LNOB box office and online.