After an absence of three-and-a-half years, Giselle, the most sublime of all romantic ballets, returns to the stage of Joburg Theatre when Joburg Ballet presents a season of ten performances of the beloved classic from 4 to 13 October in association with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra.
A heartrending story of love so powerful that it reaches from beyond the grave, the ballet’s exquisite dancing lays bare a tale of passion, betrayal and forgiveness with one of the greatest of all ballerina roles at its centre.
Joburg Ballet dancers sharing the title role during the season of Giselle are Shannon Glover, Claudia Monja and Monike Cristina who will be joined by French guest artist Anaïs Chalendard who made an acclaimed South African debut earlier this year in Joburg Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty.
In the leading role of Albrecht, audiences will see Revil Yon (with Glover), Leusson Muniz (with both Monja and Chalendard) and Ruan Galdino (with Cristina).
In addition to the two leading roles of Giselle and Albrecht, the ballet also provides a showcase for dancers in other roles, including a massed corps de ballet that appears in the ghostly second act to chilling effect.
Commenting on the return of Giselle to the stage, Joburg Ballet artistic director Iain MacDonald says: ‘Visits to the theatre don’t get much more magical than Joburg Ballet’s sublime production of Giselle and with South Africa’s finest dancers on stage, audiences can look forward to a theatre event of breathtaking, unforgettable beauty.’
Giselle opens at Joburg Theatre on Friday 4 October for ten performances, ending on Sunday 13 October. The Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra will play for all performances except Wednesday 9 October at 11:00, which will be to a recorded score to facilitate filming of Giselle for release on DVD.
Joburg Ballet offers its usual range of affordable ticket options for Giselle, including 50% off on Opening Night, two budget-priced Morning Matinees with all seats just R110, and discounts for pensioners and groups.
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