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.

Cast/Performers

Sylvie Guillem (Giselle Jul 6 / 7 / 8), Jonathan Cope (Albrecht Jul 6 / 7 / 8), Darcy Bussell (Giselle Jul 14 / 17m), Igor Zelensky (Albrecht Jul 14 / 17m), Viviana Durante (Giselle Jul 15 / 17e), Irek Mukhamedov (Albrecht Jul 15 / 17e), Leanne Benjamin (Giselle Jul 16), Carlos Acosta (Albrecht Jul 16)

Creatives/Company

Music: Adolphe Adam
Company(s): Royal Ballet, The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Choreographer: Marius Petipa
Design: John F Macfarlane
Lighting: Jennifer Tipton
Conductor: Anthony Twiner
Adapted by: Joseph Horovitz (music)