The real and the supernatural worlds collide in this tragic ballet classic. Giselle tells the romantic story of a beautiful peasant and a disguised nobleman. In the real world, their love is doomed. In the spiritual world, it may be saved.
Giselle, the quintessential Romantic ballet, first premiered in 1841 in Paris. While variations in the choreography have evolved over the years, the themes of love, betrayal, and forgiveness remain the same. Another core component of the masterpiece is the bewitching band of Wilis in Act II — ghosts of jilted brides who died before their wedding and now haunt the forest, commanding men to dance to their deaths and led by Queen Myrthe. Adolphe Adam’s score was composed for the ballet and enhances the storytelling in the choreography.
Louisville Ballet first performed Giselle in 1961 at Memorial Auditorium. The version that will be performed at The Brown Theatre Nov. 10-12, 2023, features our own sets and costumes, designed by Peter Cazalet and David Heuvel, respectively.
