Details

First produced in 1841 at the Paris Opera, Giselle is perhaps the best known and most poignant ballet of the Romantic era. Set in a medieval Rhineland village, it tells of Giselle, a naive peasant girl, who is driven to suicide when deceived by her aristocratic lover, Albrecht. Filled with remorse, Albrecht visits her moonlit grave where he is condemned to death by ghostly spirits - the Wilis. However Giselle's love for Albrecht transcends death and she protects him until sunrise destroys the Wilis power and he is saved.

Creatives/Company

Music: Adolphe Adam
Company(s): The Royal Ballet, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Conductor: Koen Kessels
Choreographer(s): Marius Petipa (after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot), Peter Wright (additional choreography)
Other(s): Theophile Gautier (Scenario - after Heinrich Heine), Peter Wright (Production)
Design: John Macfarlane
Lighting(s): Jennifer Tipton (original lighting), David Finn (lighting re-created)