Following the world premiere of Akram Khan’s reinterpretation of Giselle in October, Mary Skeaping’s classic production of the same name returns to English National Ballet’s repertoire, with performances at the London Coliseum from 11-22 January 2017. In a return to the traditional, the company will tell the haunting story of innocence and betrayal, and the timeless redemptive power of love.In moving away from Khan’s twenty-first century interpretation of the tale, Mary Skeaping’s Giselle features some of ballet’s most dramatic scenes and otherworldly images. Adolphe Adam’s classic score is performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic, and will see several company dancers debuting in their roles. In addition to this, the London Coliseum stint will see Guest Artists Xander Parish, First Soloist with the Mariinsky Ballet, perform in the role of Albrecht, and Elisa Badenes and Constantine Allen, Principals with Stuttgart Ballet, perform in the role of Giselle and Albrecht. Guest Artist Michaela DePrince, Grand Sujet with Dutch National Ballet, will also perform for the first time in the UK in the role of Myrtha, on specific dates.
This is very much in line with artistic director Tamara Rojo’s commitment to continuing to bring the best talent from across the world to British audiences, this time through English National Ballet’s performances of Giselle. From the company, principal casting will see debuts from Lead Principal Alina Cojocaru, Principal Laurretta Summerscales, Soloist Alison McWhinney and Junior Soloist Katja Khaniukova in the role of Giselle. Debuting in the role of Albrecht is Lead Principal Isaac Hernández, Principals Yonah Acosta and Alejandro Virelles, First Soloist Cesar Corrales, and Junior Soloist Ken Saruhashi.
Audiences able to see both Khan’s and Skeaping’s version of Giselle will identify the extreme range and diversity of the company, hugely talented and able to engage with both the classics and the innovative.