Ballet comique in one act
Music by Johann Armsheimer

World Première
2nd February [O.S. 21st January] 1896
Imperial Mariinsky Theatre, Saint Petersburg

Original 1896 Cast
Teresa
Pierina Legnani

Maria
Marie Petipa

Pierre
Pavel Gerdt

Plot
In a small Austrian village, two friends, Teresa and Maria, are both in love with the handsome Pierre. He is flattered by Maria’s interest, by his heart belongs to Theresa. A regiment of hussars arrives in the village and orders are given for them to be billeted in the peasants’ homes. Pierre objects and gets arrested. Theresa and her friends distract the sentries and save her beloved. Meanwhile, all the officers are vying with each other for Maria’s affections. Maria pokes fun at their amorous outpourings. Theresa and Pierre agree to marry, Maria tries to prevent them, but the colonel stops the argument, giving his blessing to them. Soon, the bulger sounds the call to muster and the hussars leave the village to the great relief of the local lads.