With its original version premiering in Paris in 1841, Giselle is one of the major staples of the ballet repertoire and part of the global cultural legacy.
Giselle juxtaposes and blends two contrasting worlds. While Act 1 provides a realistic, natural picture of the countryside, abounding in colour, sunshine, and simple joy, Act 2 unfurls amid the dreamy atmosphere of ballet blanc, the ethereal supernatural universe of fairies, featuring enthralling, and much quoted, passages.
Over the centuries, Giselle has remained a frequently performed ballet owing to the continuous passing down of the tradition. Even though the choreography has undergone modifications (from Coralli and Perrot’s original ballet in France to major changes made by Marius Petipa in Russia), the core has remained the same. Portraying the title role is a daunting challenge for every ballerina, as it entails the transformation of a naïve village girl, losing her mind and ultimately becoming a spectre, protecting her beloved even from the Underworld.
The new production of Giselle will be created by Filip Barankiewicz, Artistic Director of the Czech National Ballet, who explains his concept as follows: “This new production is conceived as an adaptation of choreography based on traditional versions and shaped through dramaturgical work and deep respect for stylistic legacy. I will be serving as the curator of this new Giselle, drawing upon my ample professional experience with multiple interpretations of the work as a performer and close collaboration on other productions. The adaptation reflects a considered artistic view of how Giselle can speak with renewed clarity and emotional truth to contemporary.
