Hailed as ‘a masterpiece of 21st century dance’ from English National Ballet, Akram Khan’s Giselle will be released in cinemas for the first time from 25 April, following a collaboration between English National Ballet and digital commissioning agency The Space.
This will give ballet fans nationwide the opportunity to see this award-winning production, providing even more opportunity to see the company at work. Recognised as one of the greatest romantic ballets, for English National Ballet Giselle has been reimagined by celebrated choreographer Akram Khan, with Artistic Director and Lead Principal Tamara Rojo dancing the role of Giselle. Giselle is one of a community of migrant workers, cast out of their jobs in a garment factory.
As his first full length ballet, Khan’s Giselle features set and costume designs from Academy Award-winning designer Tim Yip, known for his work on the hit film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Khan has used an adaptation of the original Adolphe Adam score by composer Vincenzo Lamagna, orchestrated by Music Director Gavin Sutherland and performed live by English National Ballet Philharmonic. Alongside this reimagining, English National Ballet aims to push the boundaries of ballet, taking the art form to the widest possible audience; cinema is therefore a perfect solution. Giselle is one of the most traditional pieces of the classical repertoire so this is a huge coup for e company.
Alongside Rojo, further Principal casting sees Soloist James Streeter perform in the role of Albrecht, Guest Artist and Principal of American Ballet Theater Jeffrey Cirio perform as Hilarion, and Artist of the Company Stina Quagebeur perform in the role of Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis.
The ballet has won an Olivier Award and the South Bank Sky Arts Award for Dance, and was sold out when performed at London’s Sadler’s Wells. This is the first time an English National Ballet production has been filmed for cinema, extending the reach of the company beyond its existing national and international touring programme. Giselle was filmed live at the Liverpool Empire in October 2017.