WEST Australian Ballet will bring to life Giselle, the most romantic of all classical ballets, at His Majesty’s Theatre from April 17 to May 2.
With a sumptuous set and costumes supplied by Royal New Zealand Ballet, the lavish production features Sergey Pevnev and Jayne Smeulders in the lead roles.
First performed in 1841 and rooted in German folklore, Giselle tells the story of a simple village maiden who falls in love with the nobleman Albrecht, who has disguised himself as a peasant.
When Giselle finds out Albrecht is secretly betrothed to another woman, she dies of a broken heart and joins the Wilis; abandoned brides who rise from the grave to prey on the men who have wronged them.
However, Giselle’s love for Albrecht remains and she is able to protect him from the Queen of the Wilis.
WA Ballet artistic director Ivan Cavallari said Giselle’s longevity was testament to its quality.
“This has survived now for many years,” he said.
“There was a new version in 1841 and now we are in 2009 and we are still dancing Giselle so there must be something valuable in that choreography.”
Cavallari said he had reduced the pantomime elements because he wanted to concentrate mainly on the dancing.
“Of course, I could not cut out too much because that would cut out the story,” he said.
The WA Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Myron Romanul, will perform the music.