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Former RNZB Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel’s classic production of Giselle first toured New Zealand in 2012, to critical acclaim and sell-out audiences. Subsequently performed by the RNZB in China, the USA, the UK and Italy, and turned into a feature film by New Zealand director Toa Fraser, this is a welcome opportunity for New Zealand audiences to again see this hauntingly beautiful ballet.
In a remote village, the beautiful and innocent Giselle is courted and captivated by a mysterious stranger. When he is revealed as Count Albrecht, betrothed to another, Giselle, broken hearted, descends into madness and death.
In the forest, the Wilis, vengeful ghosts of jilted brides, meet to greet their recently arrived sister: Giselle, who rises from her grave to join their ranks. Albrecht arrives to mourn, and the Wilis exact their revenge, compelling him to dance until he dies from exhaustion. Giselle shields him from their fury, until the first light of day brings the promise of forgiveness and redemption.
Choreography and production Johan Kobborg and Ethan Stiefel (choreography after Marius Petipa)
Music Adolphe Adam
Costume design Natalia Stewart
Scenic design Howard C Jones
Lighting design Kendall Smith
The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra will accompany performances in Auckland.
I have enjoyed many ballets with captivating stories. However part of the presentation is the music. The orchestra brings more life to the performance. When I purchased the tickets there was no mention the would be no orchestra. I would not have purchased had I known. It was only half what it should have been. Certainly a cost decision, which dulled the evening for us.
So if you have never seen a ballet, Giselle is the best to start with. Easy to understand, its "romantic" part (act 2) is a delight, and does not have the coded classical movements that might sometimes be difficult to understand if you are not familiar with. If you have never seen another ballet company dancing then the California Ballet is for you. Now it is far from the quality of the performance of the Russian and French classical schools. The "pas de quatre" in the 1st act was performed ... how to say it ... on a very very poor and low level. The Sat. 2:30 performance main ballerina was outstanding though and deserve to perform in a higher level company. The lecture prior to the ballet was quite uninteresting, focusing on cleaning the stage and the smoke maker machinery.
I took my mother and sister and daughter and they Loved it so much . The dancers were breathtaking And Amazing dancers!!! I enjoyed it very much . Thank you
I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation. In fact, some of the dancers were outstanding. The smaller children were absolutely charming. Kudos to the Youth American Ballet Company for giving these young people this great opportunity.
As a dancer growing up, it was beautiful to see the actual performance of the dances I used to perform! Great music and portrayal!
It was my first ballet in over 40 years. Well done, quite a pleasant experience. A lot of little girls in the audience, aspiring dancers. Definitely a nice evening out.
It was my first in person ballet and was much more thrilling to see the dancing right there. The four principals were exciting to watch their grace and techinal prowness.
"Giselle" was wonderful to finally see in WNY! The music was divine! Some of the dancing was uneven....loved the pas de deux best! Those two dancers were wonderful!!
I highly recommend the El Paso Youth Ballet performances to all El Paso. It is a great quality at a reasonable price.
Outstanding!! Best Gisselle so far..........................
