REVIEW: English National Ballet Presents Akram Khan's Giselle - Liverpool Empire Theatre
Words such as masterpiece are used to describe this ballet which is captivating and has you emotionally invested from the outset. Even the adjective masterpiece seems an understatement and superlatives just don't seem to do it justice. This visually engaging ballet is breathtaking in it's imagery, spellbinding in it's story and powerful in the precision of the execution of the choreography.
The classic story of love, betrayal and redemption has been re-imagined with sets and costumes by Academy-Award winning designer Tim Yip (Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon), and an adaptation of Adolphe Adam’s original score, created by composer Vincenzo Lamagna and performed by English National Ballet Philharmonic.
Akram Khan's Giselle has been termed "a revision of the classic narrative ballet through the lens of globalisation and it's imbalances of wealth, power and labour." The performance tells the story of Giselle a heroine Naive in her innocence with a weak heart. She just wants to feel love. She is one of a group of migrant factory workers (outcasts) who are disgruntled by the closure of the factory. There is a separation of two worlds, light and dark, poverty and wealth, life and death. The imposing high wall that occupies the stage separates them from their hopes and dreams. The Industrial revolution bought immigrants, poverty and squalor life. The brutal urbanisation is powerfully highlighted throughout the scenes.
The wealthy Albrecht disguises himself as an outcast so that he can visit his lover Giselle. Sparks fly however when Hilarion (Giselle's would-be lover) becomes aware of his presence. Giselle the peasant girl dies of a broken heart when she discovers that her lover Albrecht is betrothed to someone else. She is driven mad with grief upon her discovery. Hilarion mourns Giselle's death at her grave. The Wilis, a group of supernatural women who dance men to death summon Giselle from her grave. They brutally kill Hilarion. The lovers are reunited as they dance in limbo between life and death. The sensuality and intimacy of Albrecht and Giselle’s love is extraordinary. The scene where he touches her face is impactful. These are some of the most romantic scenes of the performance. The Wilis subsequently target Albrecht for death but the extent of Giselle's love sets him free as she forgives him.
There are beautiful elements of classical Indian and contemporary dance. The score adapted by Vincenzo Lamagna is visceral and emotive. Shamanic drum beats, Pagan grunting and shouting form the spectacular soundtrack.
Yip adorns the dance company in neutral, simple clothing so as not to distract from the language of the performance; the
movement. The costumes are magnificent.
This classical repertoire has been re-imagined and put together in such a wonderful way. Tamara Rojo artistic director explains how Giselle with its 176 yr history is one of the most influential ballets. It
fascinates ballet dancers and audiences alike. Tamara grew up with Giselle and played
her over 100 times during her time as a professional dancer, so there is no doubt that she has an affinity with the character.
The original 1840’s version provided Akram Khan a strong foundation for him to work on and proved to be new territory for him. He is a classically trained dancer and allowed the dancers freedom of expression in this adaptation. The power of the collaboration between each dancer and Khan results in a powerful outcome. It is astounding to think that Khan had not worked with pointe shoes before. Like any classical ballet, the pointe shoes are a regular feature of the performance. However, this is far from traditional in it's portrayal of the story of Giselle. It works beautifully.
Giselle is independent. Spiritual themes of love and
betrayal are driven home in this modern portrayal.
It is no surprise that over 40,000 people saw Akram Khan's re-imagined Giselle last season. Surprisingly, this is his first full length ballet. It is the epitome of perfection.
It was such an honour to watch this performance. It was breathtaking and powerful on so many levels. It is deeply moving, exquisite, beautiful, iconic, rich with symbolism and exceptional in every aspect. This sublime display of beauty and talent is an absolute must-see. Bravo!
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| The Wilis - spirits of virgin girls who died before they were married |
Wednesday 25 – Saturday 28 October 2017
Wed – Sat evenings 7.30pm, Thur matinee 2:00pm, Sat Matinee 2.30pm
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