Esmeralda & Phoebus, La Esmeralda, Kremlin Ballet Company, Moscow
Unlike the other characters we have looked at so far, Phoebus’ depiction is a bit different from the book. In all honesty he isn’t like his book persona but instead he resembles how Phoebus was adapted in the 1956 French movie. I’m willing to bet that the movie took its cues from the ballet, that is if this version of ballet is the same as first ballet from 1844 and not a version of the ballet created after 1956, I have now confused myself. If I had to guess I would still say this characterization of Phoebus is from the 1844 ballet.
Esmeralda & Phoebus, La Esmeralda Kremlin Ballet Company, Moscow
So how is this ballet Phoebus like 1956 Phoebus? For starts this Phoebus does seem to genuinely like Esmeralda as evident by the scarf. Though not in either the book or the 1956, Fleur de Lys gives Phoebus a scarf which he give to Esmeralda.When Esmeralda learn of Fleur de Lys, she sadly tries to give it back to Phoebus and motions for her to keep it. Basically the scarf is a symbol for love. One of the real tragedies is that Phoebus goes back to Fleur after Esmeralda is sentenced to death. In the 1956 version it seems like a defeatist move that he couldn’t be with Esmeralda, not sure what his motive is the ballet but it’s probably the same thing. He can’t be with the one he loves so he settles.
Phoebus & Fleur de Lys, La Esmeralda, Kremlin Ballet Company, Moscow
There isn’t much more to this Phoebus, he just a dashing romantic knight, they kept it nice and simple.
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