Giselle - Royal Ballet and Opera

Giselle - Royal Ballet and Opera description

Japan's national ballet company makes its dazzling UK debut with Giselle.

This critically acclaimed production of the classic ballet Giselle comes from Miyako Yoshida, the Royal Ballet Company's artistic director and the first Japanese ballerina to become their Principal dancer.

It's a beautiful but slightly creepy story. When the young peasant girl Giselle finds out her lover Albrecht is actually an aristocrat, and already engaged to another woman, she falls into despair and dies of a broken heart. Her troubled spirit is whisked away to the realm of the Wilis, the ghosts of women whose lovers have betrayed them. Every man who encounters them is forced to dance himself to death but Giselle wants to save Albrecht. Her love for him proves powerful enough to reach out beyond the grave, releasing Albrecht and freeing her own soul.

The National Ballet of Japan leads one of the most exciting ballet cultures on earth, creating world-class dance magic thanks to 75 full time dancers performing a wide range of ballets. They've presented everything from classics by Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, Roland Petit and Kenneth MacMillan to modern pieces by contemporary stars like Christopher Wheeldon, David Bintley and William Forsythe.

This is the first time Miyako Yoshida's celebrated production has been seen outside Japan. Expect an awe-inspiring set by the award-winning British designer Dick Bird, staged by Alastair Marriott who also provides additional choreography. There's lighting by Rick Fisher, choreography by Marius Petipa after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, and music by Adolphe Adam.

Giselle tickets take you to a powerful story exploring themes of love, betrayal, forgiveness and redemption, danced to absolute perfection.

Playing at Royal Opera House

Bow Street, London, WC2E 9DD GB (venue info)

Directions