It’s a story that’s full of impassioned love, unintentional deceit, detrimental jealousy, painful heartbreak and ghastly revenge. Ever since it was first performed in Paris some 177 years ago, Giselle has been engaging crowds the world over with its stirring scenes.
This classic romantic ballet consists of two acts, set in day and night during middle-ages-Rhineland. The spotlight bathes a series of moving events that starts off with a simple village girl and a nobleman, who fall for each other under veiled pretences, thus dooming their love before it takes hold.
The Forbidden Flame
When Duke Albrecht of Silesia has his eyes caught by the pretty Giselle, a peasant girl with a weak yet unsullied heart, he is immediately enamoured. Although he is betrothed to the daughter of the Duke of Courtlan, Bathilde, Albrecht throws caution to the wind and disguises himself as a common man in order to win her heart.
Giselle is smitten by the duke, and becomes deeply in love with him, that is until his true identity is revealed by the envious Hilarion, a gamekeeper who had his eyes set on the young maiden. Knowing that their union would never be due to the chasm between their social standings, she dances her pain away, but her weak heart gives out in the process.
The story doesn’t end there however, as creatures called the Wilis – ghosts of virgin girls who died of broken hearts at the hands of men – rouse Giselle’s spirit from her grave to exact revenge on the remorseful Albrecht.
Through beautifully expressive dancing, Giselle hooks the audience from one scene to the next, hitting all the right notes with its dramatic and poignant narrative. Experience the dynamic plot for yourself this month-end courtesy of KL Dance Works Production, as an international cast brings this full-length ballet to life at Istana Budaya!
Giselle
WHERE Panggung Sari, Istana Budaya Kuala Lumpur
WHEN 8.30pm (30 June), 3pm (1 July)
ADMISSION RM92-RM252
TEL 017 608 5025
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