Genre:

Ballet

Release Date:

Mar 2019

Sound Format:

LPCM 2.0 & DTS Master Audio 5.1

Catalog Number:

OABD7254D

Akram Khan's Giselle (English National Ballet)

Tamara Rojo CBE (Giselle); James Streeter (Albrecht); James Streeter (Hilarion); Stina Quagebeur (Myrhta, Queen of the Wilis); Begoña Cao (Bathilde); Fabian Reimair (Landlord); Jung Ah Choi; Adela Ramírez; Maria José Sadles (Giselle's Friends); Artists of the Company (Outcasts, Wilis);

Acclaimed dancer choreographer Akram Khan 'speaks tremendously of tremendous things' (Financial Times) and this new Giselle reimagines the classic narrative ballet for the 21st century.

Giselle has become a former garment factory migrant worker. Albrecht, a member of the wealthy factory-owning class. An abandoned 'ghost factory' haunted my the memory of female migrant workers, many of them victims of industrial accidents, replaces the traditional glade of Act II. There, Giselle's desire to break the cycle of violence will lead her to reconciliation with Albrecht and his release from the retributive justice of the Wilis.


Direction and Choreography - Akram Khan

Visual and Costume Design - Tim Yip

Composition and Sound Design - Vincenzo Lamagna, after the original score of Adolphe Adam

Orchestration - Gavin Sutherland

Lighting Design - Mark Henderson

Dramaturgy - Ruth Little

Assistant Choreographer - Andrej Petrovic

Rehearsal Director - Mavin Khoo

Sound Designer - Yvonne Gilbert


English National Ballet Philharmonic

Music Director - Gavin Sutherland


Reviews

"Giselle has been transformed for the ENB by Akram Khan into the ballet event of the year. Staggeringly beautiful and utterly devastating, it is an electrifying triumph which any dance or theatre fan must not miss." (The Daily Express ★★★★★)

"'Demonic' is the only word for the ferocious energy and precision with which ENB’s dancers deliver Khan's extraordinary feat of re-imagination." (Arts Desk ★★★★★)

"Akram Khan’s new Giselle is a work of immense confidence and scouring anger. English National Ballet dance this Giselle with total conviction, from Rojo’s stubborn heroine to the driven, driving corps de ballet." (The Independent ★★★★★)

"This is an epic Giselle, and a triumph." (The Evening Standard ★★★★★)

"it may well rank as a masterpiece of 21st century dance ... very special indeed." (Mail on Sunday ★★★★★)

"A sensational and sensuous 21st century Giselle ... Akram Khan’s stunning re-imagining is destined to become a contemporary classic." (The Stage ★★★★★)

"An extraordinary, landmark production ... A remarkable production performed by some of the best dancers in the world. ... Akram Khan’s thrilling, virile choreography excites and marries both the contemporary with the classical." (Manchester Evening News ★★★★★)

"The whole ballet is magnificently danced and it is, I think, a gift for ENB." (The Guardian ★★★★)

"It’s the sensational group dances that resonate most... earthbound, visceral, feral and intense, and moulded with a sculptural beauty. ... Khan’s choreography has never looked better. Working with such finely tuned ballet dancers has given his movement more uplift. ... You may be struck by the emotional power and visual thrill of Khan’s new version of English National Ballet." (The Times ★★★★)

"Bravo to the entire company, which performs with impressive commitment ... The ballet is a beautiful and intelligent remaking of the beloved classic" (New York Times)

Extra features

The Creative Process; The Characters of Akram Khan’s Giselle; Creating the Costumes for Giselle; Interviews with Dramaturg Ruth Little with Stina Quagebeur, James Streeter, and Madison Keesler, and with composer Vicenzo Lamagna