La Sylphide at Sydney Opera House

Act I

James, a young Scottish farmer, dozes in an armchair. The Sylphide, a woodland sprite, kneels by his side. After flitting around the room, she kisses him on the forehead and he awakens, confused. He is to be married that day to Effie, but the Sylphide, who is in love with James, tempts him. He runs after her, but she disappears up the chimney. The preparations for the wedding at the farm are in full swing, and Effie's friends arrive with gifts. The old fortune-teller Madge has slipped in to warm herself by the fire. James wants to throw her out, but she is permitted to remain and after a few brandies begins to tell fortunes. She predicts that Gurn, James' rival, will win Effie. James, in a fury, chases Madge out; she curses him.

The Sylphide shows herself at the window and declares her love for James, telling him that she has followed and protected him for years. As the festivities are about to begin, James hides under a rug on the armchair. He is unable to concentrate on his wedding; the Sylphide keeps appearing, although only he can see her. Just before the ceremony she entices him away into the forest. Effie dissolves in tears.

Act II

Led by Madge, several witches are cooking a scarf in a magic cauldron. James enters with the Sylphide, who shows him her realm. She brings him berries and water, but avoids him when he tries to catch her. To cheer him up, she calls on her sisters, and the forest fills with sylphides dancing their airy dances for James. Meanwhile, the young farmers have set out to look for him. Gurn finds his hat, but Madge convinces him to say nothing. Gurn proposes to the heart-broken Effie, who accepts him.

When they all have left, James emerges and Madge gives him the scarf, telling him that it will bind the Sylphide to him, so she cannot fly away. James is delighted; when the Sylphide returns and sees the scarf, she is also charmed by it, and allows James to place it around her shoulders.

Immediately, her wings fall off and the Sylphide dies. Effy and Gurn get married as the Sylphide is born through the air by her sisters. James collapses lifeless, and Madge exults.