Giselle
#A supernatural tale of passion, vengeance, and the power of love.
Experience love, envy, betrayal, and tragic redemption in the celebrated romantic ballet, Giselle. First performed in Paris, France in 1841, this Romantic-era masterpiece is set in an ethereal realm where vengeful spirits dance in the darkness, and love triangles can be deadly.
Young Giselle is a peasant girl in love with Duke Albrecht, who courts her in disguise as a peasant boy. Gamekeeper Hilarion is in love with Giselle and filled with jealousy. When he finds out the Duke is engaged to another, he reveals Albrecht's deception to Giselle. Devastated, she dies of a broken heart.
Deep in the moonlit forest, Giselle emerges in the twilight world of the Wilis who rise from dusk 'til dawn seeking vengeance among men. Giselle is faced with an impossible decision: will she follow the dark path of revenge or save her true love from certain death?
Performed over two acts, Giselle features a mythical and other-worldly 'White Act' - a classic component of the Romantic ballet era.
With exquisite choreography, luminous costumes, and an enchanting score, Giselle has held audiences spellbound since its Parisian première more than 150 years ago.
Orchestral services provided by Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra for this production are supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Adolphe Adam
Music
Peter Cazalet
Original costumes and sets
Ai-Gul Gaisina
Production and Staging
Nigel Gaynor
Music Arrangement, Conductor
Ben Hughes
Lighting Designer
Marius Petipa
Choreographer, after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot
Camerata - Queensland's Chamber Orchestra
Music performance
A complimentary printed program is available at the performance. We encourage you to please take one between two. You can also download the program here.
Learn more about Giselle with our online program, Behind the Curtain. View highlights, costume facts, backstage photos, learn about the music and much more…