A Message from the Artistic Director

FRANCESCO VENTRIGLIA | Artistic Director

Dear Esteemed Guests,

It is with profound emotion and excitement that I welcome you to this extraordinary presentation of Notre-Dame de Paris. As the Artistic Director of Alberta Ballet, this moment holds a special place in my heart, not only because of its timeless beauty, but also due to my deep personal connection to it.

Over two decades ago, I had the honour of being selected by the legendary choreographer Roland Petit to perform as Quasimodo. I was 21 years old, and the role was my first time dancing as a principal. The experience opened the door to a career beyond my most ambitious dreams.

Today, I’m proud to witness another milestone in association with this masterpiece: The production, having come to us directly following its run at the Paris Opera, signals Alberta Ballet’s standing among internationally recognized companies entrusted with bringing this work to the stage. 

We are thrilled to showcase its brilliance on the Jubilee stages: with stunning costumes designed by the iconic Yves Saint Laurent, captivating music by Maurice Jarre, and a breathtaking set by René Allio. Each element contributes to a rich tapestry that honors the spirit of this ballet.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Luigi Bonino, the artistic director of the Roland Petit Trust, for his exceptional work in restaging this masterpiece. His dedication, along with that of Gillian Whittingham, who has worked tirelessly to preserve the style and essence of Petit’s choreography, has ensured this work resonates with its full power and integrity.

Created over 60 years ago, Notre-Dame de Paris is truly a gem in the history of ballet. It is an immense source of pride that Alberta Ballet is the first Canadian company to perform it here in Canada. This is a significant moment for all of us, and we’re grateful to share it with you, our cherished audience. 

As this remarkable production closes our 2025–26 season, I am proud to say we have fulfilled our promise – delivering the greatest season ever told. This has been made possible by the dedication, care, and respect for our audience shown by everyone at Alberta Ballet – our dancers, crew, and administrative team. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

And my heartfelt thanks to each of you, dear public of Alberta, for joining us in this celebration of art and emotion. We invite you to lose yourself in the beauty of Notre-Dame de Paris.

Warm regards,

FRANCESCO VENTRIGLIA
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

A Message from the Stagers

LUIGI BONINO | Artistic Director, Roland Petit Trust

Dear Friends,

I’m delighted to share Roland Petit’s Notre-Dame de Paris with Alberta audiences. 

Roland Petit was one of the great choreographers of narrative ballet. He was a master storyteller. In his works, every gesture is purposeful; each moment is shaped by a deep connection to music and a powerful sense of theatre. 

I worked closely with Roland Petit for over 35 years. Today, my role is to carry his choreography forward - preserving the detail, intention and spirit he brought to every piece. 

Working with artists and ballet companies around the world, I help guide each production so that his ballets remain true to his vision, preserving the detail, spirit and intention in each of his works. Each company brings its own energy, and it is through that collaboration that these works continue to live and resonate. Francesco also had close ties to Roland Petit, having danced in many of the ballets in his repertoire. When Francesco reached out about presenting Notre-Dame de Paris, I was pleased to explore the work becoming part of Alberta Ballet’s season!

It has been a pleasure to get to know the dancers and artists of Alberta Ballet. They are a warm and dedicated company, and it has been rewarding to see them grow into the unique technique that defines Roland Petit’s work. 

It is my hope that you also enjoy discovering his distinctive style.

With regards,

LUIGI BONINO
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, ROLAND PETIT TRUST

A Message from the Stagers

GILLIAN WHITTINGHAM | Stager

Dear Friends,

Roland Petit is widely regarded as one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century, and Notre- Dame de Paris stands among his most iconic works. A true master of theatricality, Petit created dramatic, mood-driven ballets that seamlessly blend realism with fantasy.

I had the great honour of working with Mr. Petit over the final fifteen years of his creative life. Today, thanks to Francesco Ventriglia, who made this project possible, and to Luigi Bonino, Artistic Director of the Roland Petit Foundation, we are here setting this remarkable work on Alberta Ballet.

What fascinates me most is that now, in 2026—sixty years after the ballet’s creation in 1965–our young dancers have the opportunity to live, breathe, and embody Petit’s choreography. What could be more important than passing on the creative legacy of a choreographer who drew from his own time while projecting it into the near future?

Watching the dancers gradually grow comfortable with this challenge and fully immerse themselves in his work is incredibly exciting. As they fall in love with it, they move beyond the confines of classical technique and become true interpreters of emotion—of moods, of shared human experience—offering themselves to others with a fullness of spirit, body, and living presence.

The dancers of Alberta Ballet have done a wonderful job, and I hope you enjoy the performance.

With regards,

GILLIAN WHITTINGHAM
STAGER

The Story

ACT I

Scene 1 - The Feast of Fools

In the year of Our Lord 1482, in the Paris of Louis XI, an area lying between Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Châtelet tribunal – God, the King and Justice – the bourgeoisie and the riffraff gather together to celebrate the Feast of Fools. Whoever can outdo his rivals, with grimaces and foolery of every sort, will carry off the title of “Pope of Fools”. Suddenly there appears a monstrous being that eclipses all others: hunch-backed and lame, it is Quasimodo, the bell- ringer of Notre-Dame. His deformity, however, is not feigned but real. At the sight of him, the crowd remains for an instant seized with stupor, then, cruelly mocking, proclaims him “Pope of Fools” and in a grotesque procession parades the poor cripple who is confusedly happy with his derisory title.

SCENE 2 – PRAYER

Claude Frollo, the archdeacon of Notre-Dame, disrupts the festivities. He reminds the people that life is not only a round of pleasures and that they must pray and repent. Ashamed, Quasimodo comes, like a faithful hound, to lie down at his feet, for it is to this seemingly hard and austere priest that he owes his life. Abandoned as a child, condemned to perish in the flames by a few gossips who saw in his monstrosity the mark of the devil, it was Frollo who took him in, brought him up and made him the cathedral bell ringer. Beneath his mask of coldness and severity, Frollo has been concealing a tormented soul ever since he saw a young woman by the name of Esmeralda, dancing in front of Notre-Dame. His attempts to pray are in vain: the sound of the tambourine throbs unceasingly in his ears - an unbearable obsession.

SCENE 3 – ESMERALDA

And here she is, so beautiful “that God is said to have preferred her to the Virgin.” Her dancing is exquisite and intoxicating. Mad with desire, Frollo orders Quasimodo to go and fetch Esmeralda and bring her to him.

SCENE 4 – THE COURT OF MIRACLES

Then begins a terrifying pursuit, with Quasimodo hunting for Esmeralda in Paris, amongst the people of the shadows: the paupers, cripples, beggars, pick-pockets and cut-throats, all those outcasts from the Court of Miracles whose kingdom is the night.

SCENE 5 – THE PILORY

Esmeralda succeeds in escaping from Quasimodo thanks to the intervention of a company of archers led by Captain Phœbus. She now finds herself attracted to the handsome officer, whilst Quasimodo, who has been arrested, is led to the pillory by the archers who beat him up beneath the indifferent eyes of the bystanders. Only Esmeralda, moved by the suffering of this creature whose appearance once frightened her, makes her way through the crowd to give him something to drink. This simple gesture of pity, doubtless the only one that anybody has ever yet shown him, and from a girl as beautiful as he is ugly, overwhelms the poor devil and changes the course of his destiny.

SCENE 6 – THE SOLDIERS

Phœbus marches at the head of his troops. Their formation loosens as they begin to move around Esmeralda, framing her through their shifting ranks. Phœbus steps out from his men to approach her directly, fixing all attention on her.

SCENE 7 – THE TAVERN

Phœbus lures Esmeralda to a tavern frequented by drunkards and ruffians. Esmeralda soon finds herself in the arms of her handsome captain. In the shadows, Claude Frollo is watching, intoxicated with rage and jealousy. Unable to contain himself, Frollo stabs Phœbus and flees, leaving Esmeralda distraught. The soldiers of the watch seize her, whose appearance draws suspicion, and take her away.

SCENE 8 – THE TRIAL

Accused of Phœbus’s murder, Esmeralda is taken before the judges.

SCENE 9 – THE SCAFFOLD

Condemned for debauchery, homicide and witchcraft, Esmeralda is to be hanged. She is already in the hands of the executioner when, suddenly, Quasimodo, who has not forgotten Esmeralda’s kindness, appears from nowhere. Pushing aside the guard, he rescues her and carries her inside the cathedral. In the safety of Notre-Dame, Esmeralda benefits from the right of sanctuary. Claude Frollo, in spite of his chagrin, is obliged to hold back the crowd trying to break into the church. Disappointed to be deprived of its prey, but with a renewal of religious feeling, the mob content themselves with a joyful cry of “Noel!” to celebrate the Saviour’s birth.

ACT II

SCENE 10 – THE BELFRY OF NOTRE-DAME

Constantly on the watch, Quasimodo makes a tour of his domain to ensure that nothing threatens his beautiful protégée. He cries out for joy, hanging from the bells that he rings in loud peals.

SCENE 11 – ESMERALDA & QUASIMODO

Esmeralda appears and tenderly shows her gratitude to the bell-ringer who, ashamed of his deformity, is nevertheless emboldened - with her encouragement - to take the young girl by the hand. Full of happiness, he shows her around his refuge. Weary, Esmeralda falls asleep, watched over by Quasimodo. Believing her to be safe, he withdraws. But the cathedral is also the domain of the archdeacon, Frollo. Taking advantage of Quasimodo’s absence, Frollo approaches to torment Esmeralda. She repulses his advances in disgust. Then, carried away by his delirious passion, the man strikes, as if to break the body that resists him forever.

SCENE 12 – THE NIGHTMARE/THE ATTACK ON THE CATHEDRAL

Justice cannot long be denied! A parliamentary decree has been issued to revoke the right of sanctuary. Soldiers attack the cathedral and more people follow. Quasimodo, powerless, at the flood of people, tries vainly to stop them by pouring molten lead over them but, defeated by their numbers, he has to give up the fight. Esmeralda is taken.

SCENE 13 – DEATH

A long funeral procession leads Esmeralda to the scaffold. This time, nothing can prevent the hangman from accomplishing his task. She is soon no more than an inert form. The sound of the tambourine that haunted the archdeacon’s nights dies with Esmeralda. Quasimodo finally understands the evil power of this man. In grief and fury, Quasimodo throws himself upon Frollo and strangles him. Frollo’s body rolls down the steps of the scaffold while Quasimodo carries away the limp remains of the woman he loved.

Notre-Dame de Paris
Creative Team

Notre-Dame de Paris
Casting

Alberta Ballet Dancers

THANK YOU, ALLISON PERHACH
FOR THE DEDICATION AND TALENT YOU SHARED FROM OUR STAGE

Allison Perhach joined Alberta Ballet in 2018 and over her 8-year career, she has become well known to Alberta Ballet audiences for her exquisite poise and grace.

As I take my final bow, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this organization. In my eight seasons, I have created characters, grown stronger as a dancer, and found an artist in myself that I am proud of.

Thank you to Francesco for taking my career to new heights with his vision and exceptional coaching, and to Chris and the entire administrative and artistic staff for working tirelessly for our success. Most of all, thank you to my fellow dancers, who make magic every day in the studio and on stage. The teamwork, silly moments, and connections are what I will miss most. You are all incredible!

I feel confident and excited for what comes next, knowing that I am leaving this chapter fulfilled. Ballet has been the defining feature of my life so far. I may be finding a new purpose, but I’ll never lose the piece of myself that I found at Alberta Ballet. Here’s to one last “sha!”

Alberta Ballet Artistic Team

Alberta Ballet Artistic Support

Company Teachers | Francesco Ventriglia, Yoshiya Sakurai, Hayna Gutierrez,
Class Pianists | Juanita Faas, Lorel Leal, Michael Li, Michael Levin
Physiotherapy | Peak Health and Performance
Stage Manager | Marisa Mireau
Second Stage Manager | Ingrid Kottke
Apprentice Stage Manager | Kade Mazury
Intimacy Professional | Shawna McGill-Legault

Production Team

Technical Director | Jason McLellan
Head Carpenter | Brian Chmielewski
Lead Fly | Kevin Green
Lead Props | Cassandra Thorbjornsen
Lead Lighting | Chris Axford
Second Lighting | Oliver Petti
Wardrobe Director | Heather Dornian
Costume Supervisor | Aurelia Lyon
Lead Wardrobe | Erin LeBaron
Second Wardrobe | Lori McMahon
Stitchers | Tawni Evans, Sarah Cameron, Karen Crocker
Wig and Hair | Franca Vaccaro
Makeup | Danielle Dawson

Stage Technicians provided by IATSE Local 212.
Sets and props courtesy of Ópera National de Bourdeaux.
Co-production (sets) Opéra National de Bourdeaux and Teatro dell’Opera di Roma.
Costumes courtesy of Opéra national de Paris – Director: Alexander Neef.

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More than what you see on stage

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ALBERTA BALLET DONORS 2025/26

Alberta Ballet closes the season with Notre-Dame de Paris, a rarely seen masterpiece by Roland Petit. Inspired by Victor Hugo’s novel, the ballet follows Esmeralda, a free-spirited dancer, and Quasimodo, the devoted bell-ringer, through a world shaped by love, obsession, and tragedy.

Thank you to our Dance Circle Members, Subscribers, and audiences for the support that makes ambitious storytelling possible – and we look forward to welcoming you back for Alberta Ballet’s 2026/27 season.

Dance Circle Membership $1,500

Patron Program $5,000 +

If you’re a passionate Alberta Ballet subscriber, consider taking part in our donor activities.

To learn more, please contact us at Gifts@AlbertaBallet.com.

A whole community is working behind-the-scenes,
helping us inspire you with dance!

 BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2025)

2025/26 GOVERNMENT FUNDERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS