The crown jewel of Romantic ballet

Giselle is the glittering crown jewel of French Romantic ballet. It’s a quintessential work in which the elegance of classical dance meets the mystical movement language of the spirits, all set against a cloud of delicate tulle. The story explores themes of love, betrayal, death and forgiveness, with an emotional depth that has resonated across generations. Since its premiere in 1841, the ballet’s timeless beauty has continued to enchant audiences around the world.

Artistic Director of the Ballet, choreographer Javier Torres brings the story of the ballet from the Middle Ages to 1950s Italy. The result is a production that honours the traditions of the genre, enriching Act I with alluring new visuals and a stronger narrative, before returning to the familiar, cherished aesthetics of Act II.

Giselle is a compelling choice for both classical dance enthusiasts and those experiencing ballet for the first time.

“Societally, the 1950s was an era when gender roles were still highly conservative, despite women gaining more freedom with the emergence of modern household appliances, for example. Women were still expected to be respectable girls, good wives, or devoted mothers – and always subordinate to men. This hypocritical ideology, combined with the fashion of the time, provided the perfect framework for keeping the ballet’s original elements while introducing new dramaturgical contrasts to the story.”

– Javier Torres

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Southern Italy, 1950s…

synopsis

Dawn breaks on the central square of a town in southern Italy. Alberto, the son of a wealthy magnate, has disguised himself as a villager in order to court Giselle, a young waitress working at her mother Stella’s café. Their romantic moment is interrupted by Ilario, the café’s cook, who is also in love with Giselle. Threatened by Alberto, Ilario withdraws. Giselle and Alberto then join the preparations for the town’s cherry festival. When Alberto is left alone, Ilario spies on him and discovers that he is the son of a rich magnate.

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At midday, wealthy visitors arrive in the square. They are led by Batilde, Alberto’s fiancée and the daughter of Il Duca, another influential magnate. Alberto slips away before anyone sees him. Il Duca joins Batilde on the café terrace, where they order drinks. Giselle meets Batilde, who soon begins to feel unwell and is taken inside the café. The wealthy group disperses.

At sunset, the cherry festival begins. Giselle and Alberto dance joyfully in the crowd until Ilario challenges Alberto for Giselle’s affections. Enraged by defeat, Ilario exposes Alberto’s background. Batilde, Il Duca and Stella emerge from the café. On realising that Alberto has betrayed her, Giselle loses her mind. After a moment of shock, she tries to run into Alberto’s arms, but the jealous Ilario shoots her dead.

It is midnight. The Wilis, spirits of grieving women, roam the ghostly landscape, hunting down men. Stella and her secret lover, Il Duca, mourn their daughter Giselle’s tragic death. Frightened by eerie sounds, they flee.

Ilario, now on the run, secretly comes to grieve for Giselle but is driven off by the same unearthly noises. The Wilis rise under their leader, Mirtha. They summon Giselle, who is now one of them, and disappear. Crushed with sorrow, Alberto arrives and sees Giselle’s spirit. They dance enraptured by love, but Giselle fears for Alberto’s safety and urges him to leave before the Wilis appear. Ilario returns, pursued by the Wilis. He manages to escape but is doomed to a life of grief. When the spirits turn their attention to Alberto, Giselle’s love protects him. The two dance together through the night, hoping for dawn to break and spare Alberto from eternal sorrow. As the sun rises, he is saved. He walks towards the light, leaving Giselle’s fading silhouette to disappear into the darkness.

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