WINNIPEG ― In the Rhineland of the Middle Ages, a young village girl named Giselle falls in love with Prince Albrecht, a nobleman disguised as a peasant. Unfortunately, the Prince is already engaged to be married. When she discovers the truth, Giselle commits suicide. However, she soon returns as a Wili — a spirit compelled to punish him.
"Giselle" is back to the Centennial Concert Hall, on March 7-11, 2012, with a newly refurbished set and costumes to create a haunting experience.
"The ballet originated the phrase 'that gives me the Wilis'," says RWB Artistic Director André Lewis in a press release. "It is a terrifying and beautiful sight to see these ethereal beauties rising from the grave to dance their male victims to their death."
"Giselle," which premiered at the Paris Opera Ballet in 1841, features a lush score written by Adolphe Adam. It is also the first ballet in history that demanded that dancers go en pointe — a position executed with the tip of the toe.
This new production by Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet features Principal Dancer Vanessa Lawson as Giselle, and American Ballet Theatre’s Jared Matthews as Prince Albrecht. Jo-Ann Sundermeier and Amanda Green will also appear as Giselle throughout the run, accompanied by Harrison James and Dmitri Dovgoselets.
Music will be provided by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Tadeusz Biernacki, RWB Music Director.
The creative team for "Giselle" comprises of choreographer Peter Wright; stager Desmond Kelly; costume and set designer Peter Farmer; and lighting designer Nicholas Cernovitch.
Tickets range from $33-$97.50 and are available through the RWB Customer Service Office at 380 Graham Avenue, by calling (204) 956-2792 or 1-800-667-4792 toll free, or at Ticketmaster.
Groups of ten people or more can save 15 percent on great seats. Contact the RWB Groups Manager at (204) 957-3494 or groups@rwb.org for more information.
"Giselle": Related events
- February 29: Moonlight Rendezvous - Guided ghost tour of Winnipeg. Call 956-2792 to book.
- March 2: Open Rehearsal (7 p.m. at the RWB Building, 380 Graham Avenue) - To reserve a space, call the RWB Customer Service Office at (204) 956-2792 or toll free at 1-800-667-4792. Admission is free and seating is limited.
- Pre-Show Chats (30 minutes before each performance) - Conversations with Artistic Director Andre Lewis, Musical Director Tadeusz Biernacki and Ballet Mistress Tara Birtwhistle. Meet in the Centennial Concert Hall lobby, South wing. Admission is free.
- March 8: Student Matinee (Centennial Concert Hall, 555 Main Street). Download the Giselle Study Guide. For more information, call the RWB Customer Service Office at (204) 956-2792 or 1-800-667-4792 toll free.
- March 9: Backstage Tour (following the performance) - Join RWB Production Stage Manager, Ingrid Kottke, for an intimate behind-the-scene look at the world of dance. Meet at the posted sign in the North wing of the Centennial Concert Hall lobby. Admission is free.
- March 11: Meet the Dancers (following the matinee performance) - RWB dancers will be available in the Piano Nobile to answer questions and sign autographs.
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Cendrine Marrouat may be contacted for potential interviews, reviews and general enquiries at info@cendrinemarrouat.com. Website: www.cendrinemarrouat.com.
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