E. T. A. Hoffmann

The charismatic monk Medardus becomes implicated in a deadly mystery against his will. As he travels towards Rome he wrestles with the enigma of his own identity while pursued by his murderous doppelganger. The monk's only hope for salvation lies with the beautiful Aurelie; but in order to escape the curse which lies …

Combines the original stories behind the noted Christmas ballet--a German tale from 1816, and a French reworking of the story of Marie and her nutcracker from 1845.