Royal Ballet

Giselle

In Cinemas 6, 7 8 & 11 May 2016
Conductor
Barry Wordsworth
Orchestra
Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Cast
Marianela Nuńez, Vadim Muntagirov
Music
Adolphe Adam, revised by Joseph Horovitz
Choreography
Marius Petipa, after Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot
Designs
John Macfarlane
Duration
2h39 incl. interval
Captured live from Covent Garden, London 6 Apr 2016
4 stars. Muntagirov and Nuñez display absolute mastery. The acting is superb and the dancing has real authority in Peter Wright’s production which opens up dramatic opportunities for the whole cast.
Judith Mackrell, The Guardian

The greatest of all Romantic ballets, Peter Wright’s production of Marius Petipa’s classic is a tale of betrayal, the supernatural and love that transcends death.

The title role is considered to be the ballerina’s Hamlet, as Giselle transforms from an innocent peasant girl, tricked into love with the duplicitous Count Albrecht, to a forgiving spirit who saves her lover from death at the hands of the ghostly, vengeful Wilis. Giselle will be danced by Royal Ballet Principal Marianela Nuñez and partnered by Principal Vadim Muntagirov as Count Albrecht.

A ballet of two contrasting worlds, Act I requires the ballerina to appear naïve and artless, her dancing alive with earthy enthusiasm. In Act II she transforms into light and air as she exists in a spectral, moonlit beauty.

With its combination of a memorable story and exquisite choreography, Giselle is the perfect way to discover classical ballet. A beautiful production, simply stunning on the big screen.