Giselle - The Royal Ballet

The greatest of all Romantic ballets, Peter Wright’s production of Marius Petipa’s classic is a tale of betrayal, the supernatural and love that transcends death.

The Story

Giselle, a peasant girl, has fallen in love with Count Albrecht, who has told her he is a villager named Loys. Her discovery of his true identity has devastating consequences.

Giselle kills herself. Distraught, Albrecht wanders the forests – and discovers that Giselle has become one of the Wilis, shades of young women who died before their wedding day. The Wilis dance all men that come across their path to death; but Giselle intercedes on Albrecht’s behalf. Her forgiveness saves Albrecht and releases her from the Wilis, so that she may finally rest in peace.

Background

Giselle is the quintessential Romantic ballet. It transformed the dance world when it was first performed in Paris in 1841 and remains at the centre of the classical repertory. Although the choreography and designs have undergone many changes over the years, the essence of Giselle remains the same. Peter Wright’s production for The Royal Ballet is based on Marius Petipa’s classic version (after original choreography by Jules Perrot and Jean Coralli), which was first staged in St Petersburg in 1884.

The role of Giselle provides a dancer with many technical and dramatic challenges, from the character’s early love to her poignant descent into madness and her final gesture of forgiveness from beyond the grave. The first act of the ballet is filled with historical detail and rustic colour. By contrast, the second act (known as the White Act) plunges the audience into an eerie moonlit forest haunted by the ethereal Wilis – vengeful spirits of young brides who died before their wedding day. With its combination of memorable story and exquisite choreography, Giselle is the perfect way to discover classical ballet.

Broadcast in the framework of Royal Opera House Live Cinema program
Two Acts Ballet
Media sponsors: O Fileleftheros, The Cyprus Weekly

Duration: 140'
Tickets: € 15 / 10

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