Prepare to be captivated by the ballet masterpiece Giselle which will grace the stage of Dubai Opera from 18-21 September. Performed by the esteemed dancers of the Polish National Ballet and Orchestra, conducted by Patrick Fournillier with the choreography by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot.
The tragic work tells the story of a young girl who dies of love and is transformed into a spirit that haunts the forest. Taken in by the Wilis, she enters an ethereal world where dance is the language of the soul. Her lover Albrecht, distraught, pursues this ghost at the risk of his life.
Since the premiere in 1841, Giselle has been considered as a masterwork in the classic ballet repertoire. Originating from the French romanticism era, the bewitching score by Adolphe Adam has inspired the greatest ballet dancers and choreographers to bring the ethereal beauty and emotional depth of this tragic romantic ballet to life.
Why it’s a must-see:
Historical Significance: Giselle embodies the essence of pristine female presence on the ballet stage, setting a standard for romantic ballets to come.
Tragic Love Story: Follow the gripping tale of Giselle, a young girl in love with a nobleman, unaware of his true identity, leading to a haunting story of love, betrayal, and redemption.
Artistic Excellence: Experience Maina Gielgud’s meticulous recreation of the original choreography by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot with set and costume designs by the late Andrzej Kreutz Majewski skillfully adapted by Małgorzata Szabłowska and Katarzyna Rott, capturing the romantic atmosphere of this French masterpiece.
Don't miss this opportunity to experience the timeless beauty and emotional depth of Giselle at Dubai Opera. Book your tickets now and be transported into a world of love, betrayal, and ethereal grace.
Premiere night tickets for September 18 will include a glass of champagne.
This show is supported by Van Cleef & Arpels.
CAST:
Giselle:
Chinara Alizade (18.09., matinee 21.09.)
Jaeeun Jung (19.09., 21.09.)
Mai Kageyama (20.09.)
Duke Albrecht of Silesia:
Vladimir Yaroshenko (18.09., matinee 21.09.)
Ryota Kitai (19.09., 21.09.)
Marko Juusela (20.09.)
Hilarion:
Kristof Szabó (18.09., matinee 21.09.)
Paweł Koncewoj (19.09., 21.09.)
Adam Huczka (20.09.)
Myrtha:
Natalia Pasiut (18.09., matinee 21.09.)
Hannah Cho (19.09., 21.09.)
Yana Shtanhei (20.09.)
Prince of Courtland:
Wojciech Ślęzak (18.09., 20.09., matinee 21.09.)
Łukasz Tużnik (19.09., 21.09.)
Bathilde:
Irina Wasilewska (18.09., matinee 21.09.)
Oliwia Górecka (19.09., 21.09.)
Berthe:
Marta Fidler
Act l
It is a lovely autumn day in Thuringia. Duke Albrecht of Silesia, a young nobleman, has disguised himself as a villager named Loys, to court Giselle, a shy, beautiful peasant girl. He sees no harm in this flirtation with Giselle, who loves to dance but has a frail heart. Hilarion, a local gamekeeper, is in love with her and is suspicious of Loys. He tries to warn her, but she ignores his warnings. Giselle’s mother, Berthe, is protective of her daughter and believes Hilarion is a better match. When she sees her daughter dancing with Loys, she orders her back home. Berthe reminds Giselle and the villagers of the tale of the Wilis, the ghostly spirits of young brides who loved to dance and were betrayed by their lovers on their wedding day, dying of broken hearts. Now they haunt the forest after midnight to take revenge on any man on their way.
Wilfred, Albrecht’s squire, hears the hunting horn. Concerned that his master will be discovered wooing a peasant girl, he tries to find him and warn of the approach of the hunting party. The Prince of Courland arrives with his daughter Bathilde, who is engaged to Albrecht. Giselle is overawed by Bathilde’s beautiful clothes. Bathilde is charmed by the sweet Giselle and offers her a necklace as a gift, unaware that they are engaged to the same man.
Bathilde and her father are invited into Berthe’s cottage to rest. The villagers celebrate their harvest, and Giselle is crowned the Harvest Queen. Giselle and Albrecht resume their dancing, but Hilarion interrupts the festivities. He has discovered Albrecht’s sword and shows it as proof that he is really a nobleman. Surprised, Albrecht has no time to hide and greets Bathilde as his fiancée. Giselle is shocked by her lover’s deception. She is overcome with grief and recalls all the tender moments she shared with Loys. She dances wildly, briefly recognising her mother first and then Albrecht, before her heart gives out and Giselle dies in his arms. A distraught Albrecht is dragged away by Wilfred while Berthe weeps over her daughter’s body.
Act II
Late at night in a dark forest, Hilarion mourns at Giselle’s grave but is frightened away by the impending arrival of the Wilis. As midnight strikes, Myrtha, their merciless queen, leads their nightly dance ritual before rousing Giselle’s spirit from her grave. Albrecht, full of remorse, arrives to lay flowers on Giselle’s tomb. Her spirit appears to him, Albrecht tries to embrace her, but his arms remain empty, he begs her forgiveness.
Meanwhile, the Wilis have cornered Hilarion, they force him to dance until near death before drowning him in the lake. Then seeing Albrecht, they turn on him, sentencing him to dance until he dies. He pleads with Myrtha for mercy, but she coldly refuses. Giselle begs for his life to be spared but is forced to make him dance with her until he collapses from exhaustion. However, the power of her forgiveness and love saves him. As dawn breaks, the Wilis lose their power and return to their graves. Giselle also slowly vanishes back into her tomb. Albrecht is left alone with his sorrow; the memory of Giselle will sustain with him for the rest of his life.
Approximately 2 hours including an intermission
Dubai Opera is the ideal venue to celebrate elegance and style. Kindly avoid overly casual or provocative attire, such as shorts or flip flops, to uphold our venue standards. Guests not complying with the dress code will not be permitted entry.
6+ years would require a ticket to enter the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.
Below 6+ years are not permitted into the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.
The offer is valid for 24 hours on August 31, 2024.
The 15% discount applies to all ticket categories (VIP, Platinum, Gold & Fan Pit) except Bronze and Silver.
Use promocode DOTURNS8 at checkout to receive the 15% discount.
This offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.
The offer can only be redeemed through Dubai Opera’s official website.
The offer is valid for the following Dubai Opera presented shows which includes: Giselle, Umberto Tozzi, Gustavo Santaolalla, Brad Mehldau, R&J Suite, Singin’ in the Rain, Umm Kulthum & The Golden Era and Glenn Hughes performs Deep Purple Classics Live.
All tickets purchased before or after this promotion are not eligible for exchange or return.