

Movie spotlight
Giselle
GISELLE is acclaimed director Toa Fraser's interpretation of the Royal New Zealand Ballet's production of Giselle. The classic story of love, erotism and death has been reinterpreted by Fraser to include both the on stage performance of the ballet, and an off-stage romance – interwoven with the ballet – that tells of two itinerant dancers, separated by time, distance and their abiding love for each other.
Insights
Plot Summary
This production of Giselle, performed by The Australian Ballet, tells the tragic story of a young peasant girl who falls in love with Albrecht, a nobleman disguised as a peasant. When Giselle discovers Albrecht's true identity and his engagement to another woman, she is driven to madness and eventually death. In the afterlife, she becomes a Wilis, a vengeful spirit of a betrayed maiden, and must choose between protecting Albrecht or succumbing to the Wilis' curse.
Critical Reception
This 2013 production of Giselle by The Australian Ballet received positive reviews for its technically skilled dancers and emotional depth. Critics praised the principal dancers' performances, the evocative staging, and the company's overall commitment to the narrative's dramatic arc, solidifying its reputation as a classic ballet.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for the dancers' technical prowess and emotional interpretation.
Commended for its beautiful and effective staging.
Seen as a strong, classic rendition of the beloved ballet.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific ballet production is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The role of Giselle is one of the most demanding in classical ballet, requiring not only exceptional technical skill but also a profound ability to convey psychological descent from naive joy to tragic madness.
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