BRB – Giselle

Lovestruck Giselle has no idea her beloved peasant suitor Loys is really Count Albrecht in disguise. When the true identity of Loys is revealed by Giselle’s other suitor, the jealous Hilarion, the betrayal drives Giselle to madness and suicide. In sorrow and remorse, Hilarion and Albrecht visit the site of Giselle’s unconsecrated grave. But they are not alone, the Wilis, ghosts of girls jilted by their lovers, also haunt the forest. These spirits will dance to death any man they meet during the hours of darkness. Is Giselle’s love strong enough to protect her lover from beyond the grave?

Still the epitome of 19^th-century romanticism, Giselle broke new ground when it was first conceived by the poet Théophile Gautier. This surreal ballet fused the popular appeal of historical local colour, with shadowy spirits – to great tragic and dramatic effect. Marius Petipa, Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, were the choreographic stars of their time, and David Bintley and Galina Samsova’s 1999 production for BRB preserves the best of their work.

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