Giselle

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The Ballet of the Greek National Opera presents a new production of Giselle, one of the most famous ballets of Romanticism, featuring enchanting music by Adolphe Adam. Distinguished choreographers Verónica Villar and Elena Iglesias revive the classical choreography of Marius Petipa, while José Salazar will conduct the GNO Orchestra.

Giselle is a remarkable phenomenon in the history of ballet. Although it had been largely forgotten in Europe for many years, it began to be reintroduced into the repertoire of major companies in the early 20th century. The title role, often called “the Hamlet of ballet”, still represents the ultimate challenge for female dancers aiming to establish themselves in classical ballet.

To the eyes of the vast ballet-loving audiences, Giselle never grows old, as it illuminates deeply felt emotions such as love, jealousy, and betrayal, while, most importantly, portraying an enormous love that overcomes death to protect life itself.

The story recounts the unfortunate love of peasant girl Giselle for Count Albrecht, who presents himself to her as an ordinary villager. When his true identity is revealed and Giselle discovers that he is betrothed to another woman, she loses her sanity and takes her own life. One night, under the light of a full moon in the forest, the souls of girls betrayed by their lovers on the eve of their weddings come to take revenge, disguised as elves. They entice passing men, forcing them to dance non-stop until they collapse from exhaustion. They also mislead the repentant Albrecht, but Giselle intervenes, supporting him until the break of dawn, at which point the elves’ power wanes. After forgiving him, she returns to her grave, leaving him inconsolable.

Giselle’s initial choreography was created by the French choreographer of Italian descent, Jean Coralli, even though the principal dancer’s parts were designed by the Frenchman Jules Perrot, who was involved with the protagonist, Carlotta Grisi. It was on their work that Marius Petipa based his version, which he later presented with the Imperial Ballet of Saint Petersburg. This version serves as the foundation for most contemporary choreographies, including the new revival that the Ballet of the GNO is going to present.

Marius Petipa was the one who renamed the leading male role from Albert to Albrecht, and it is his choreographic language that creates a magical dialogue between classical style, emotion, and storytelling.