Giselle

Program:

Giselle

Choreography by Zalman Raffael (after Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot)

Music by Adolphe Adam

Giselle is an abiding testament of passion and reparation. Set in a sunlit
village, Giselle becomes smitten with Albrecht who, unbeknownst to her, is
a nobleman disguised as a peasant. Though he returns her affection, he is
already promised to another. When his betrothal is revealed, the shock proves
too great, and Giselle’s fragile heart gives way.

In an eidolic forest, we find Giselle in the realm of the Wilis, restless spirits of
women conned by their paramours. When Albrecht arrives to mourn at her
grave, he is reproved by the Wilis. Giselle’s compassion, withstanding even
beyond death, spares him their wrath.

Balancing classic beauty with yearning fervor, Giselle remains a masterful
affirmation that love transcends the boundaries of life and death.