12 December 2023
Newsdesk
One of the great Romantic ballets, this celebrated production, with its classical language, features some of ballet’s most dramatic scenes and otherworldly images.
Giselle is a haunting story of innocence and betrayal – a timeless tale about the redemptive power of love.
A young peasant girl, Giselle, is in love with Albrecht, a Duke who hides his title and his engagement to another. When Giselle discovers he has deceived her, she is driven to madness, and dies of a broken heart. Late at night, the Wilis gather by her grave, ready to welcome her into their fold as the vengeful spirits of betrayed brides, who force men to dance to their death. Will Giselle’s love protect Albrecht from his fate?
From the sunny optimism of Giselle’s idyllic village life to a moonlit world of mystery and menace, Mary Skeaping’s enthralling production features some of ballet’s most dramatic scenes and otherworldly images.
Adolphe Adam’s lush score, performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic, sets the scene for an atmospheric and ultimately heartbreaking performance.
Lead Principals, Sangeun Lee, Emma Hawes and Shiori Kase will make their debut in the title role. Lead Principals Aitor Arrieta and Francesco Gabriele Frola, First Soloist Gareth Haw, Soloist Fernando Carratalá Coloma and Junior Soloist Vsevolod Maievskyi, debut as Albrecht.
First Soloist Junor Souza, Soloist Erik Woolhouse, Junior Soloist Henry Dowden, and First Artist Giorgio Garrett perform the role of Hilarion for the first time. Soloist Precious Adams, Junior Soloists Anna Nevzorova and Emily Suzuki and First Artist Angela Wood, debut in the role of Myrtha.
English National Ballet has offered audiences the chance to see two versions of Giselle this season, with Akram Khan’s reimagining having been performed on tour by the Company in Manchester and Bristol in autumn 2023.
Giselle follows English National Ballet’s performances of Nutcracker (14 December 2023 – 07 January 2024), also at the London Coliseum.
Founders: Anton Dolin, Alicia Markova, Julian Braunsweg
Chair: Sir Roger Carr
Artistic Director: Aaron S. Watkin
Executive Director: Patrick Harrison
Chief Operating Officer: Grace Chan
English National Ballet
Giselle by Mary Skeaping
London Coliseum
11 – 21 January 2024
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