Prologue: A Princess is Born
Once upon a time, in an enchanted kingdom far, far away, a King and Queen, who to their delight are blessed with a daughter they name Princess Aurora. Three fairies are invited to be her godmothers: Volante, the fairy of courage; Grazia, the fairy of joy; and the most powerful of the three, Lilac, the fairy of love. Each of them bring a wonderful gift for the Princess. Volante gives her a unicorn representing wisdom and purity, and Grazia gives a flutter of butterflies symbolising beauty and grace—qualities the princess will one day have. Just as Lilac is about to present her offering, however, in storms Carabosse, the fairy of fear, furious that the King and Queen had not invited them.
It is then discovered that Catalabutte, the Master of Ceremonies, had forgotten to send them an invitation. Furious, Carabosse curses the little Princess: one day she will prick her finger with a poisoned rose thorn and die! Fortunately, Lilac has not yet given her gift to the Princess and so when she does, her power weakens the curse. Although the Princess will still prick her finger, she will not die, instead falling into a deep sleep from which she can only be awoken by true love’s kiss.
Terrified, the King orders every single rose bush in the kingdom to be destroyed. Ignorant of the King’s orders, Carabosse and their imps prepare a poisoned rose for Aurora in a deep dungeon.
Act I: Destiny
It is Princess Aurora’s sixteenth birthday, and the King has organised a splendid party. Along with her three fairy godmothers, the handsome company also includes Babette, Aurora’s high-spirited cousin, and four Princes, each from a corner of the world, who have come to ask for her hand in marriage.
Suddenly, an old woman enshrouded in a robe appears in the crowd. She gives the Princess a blossoming rose. Having never seen such a wonderful flower, Aurora takes it with fascination and dances while holding it in her hand.
The court, remembering Carabosse’s curse, is horrified, and everyone tries to take the rose from Aurora, but it is too late. The Princess has pricked herself! The poison takes effect, Aurora sinks to the floor, and the villainous Carabosse is revealed. Believing Aurora to be no more, they make their escape. In the ensuing panic, Lilac reminds everyone that Aurora is not dead. Instead, she will now sleep, only to be awakened by love’s first kiss. The Princess is then carried to her bed, and Lilac enchants the entire castle to fall asleep until the Princess wakes.
Act II: The Vision
One hundred years later, Prince Desiré is out hunting with his friends and courtiers. Suddenly, they see a golden deer and, captivated by its beauty, chase after the majestic creature, until a large herd of deer bars their passage. After some time, the prince approaches the golden deer and draws his bow. However, before an arrow can be let loose, Lilac appears. The golden deer is her messenger.
Now alone with the Prince, the fairy presents him with an enchanted vision and allows him to enter Aurora’s dream, where he sweeps her up into a graceful dance. The Prince also learns that Aurora sleeps in a castle covered with wild roses, guarded by the fearsome Carabosse.
When the vision is dispelled, Lilac guides the Prince to the castle. He is challenged by Carabosse and, although the battle is fierce, he defeats them. With great reverence, the young man kneels by the Princess’s bed and softly gives her a loving kiss. At long last, she awakes, and the entire court emerges from its slumber.
Act III: The Wedding
Princess Aurora and Prince Desiré have invited numerous guests to their wedding, including Little Red Riding Hood, Puss in Boots and the Blue Bird. There is much rejoicing, for love has conquered fear, and triumphed over all.