Akram Khan’s Olivier Award-winning piece Giselle, performed by the English National Ballet, will be released in cinemas for the first time from 25 April 2018.
Hailed as ‘a masterpiece of 21st century dance’, English National Ballet’s performance claimed the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance at last year’s ceremony, as ENB expanded its repertoire with Giselle (and She Said) at Sadler’s Wells. Their production will soon be available to ballet fans nationwide in glorious high definition on the big screen.
Recognised as one of the greatest romantic ballets, Giselle has been re-imagined by celebrated choreographer Akram Khan, with Artistic Director and Lead Principal of English National Ballet, Tamara Rojo, dancing the role of Giselle, one of a community of migrant workers cast out of their jobs in a condemned garment factory.
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. The film was commissioned by digital agency The Space.
Alongside Rojo, further Principal casting for Giselle 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.
His first full length ballet, Akram Khan’s Giselle features set and costume designs from Academy Award-winning designer Tim Yip, and 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.
Filmed live at the Liverpool Empire in October 2017, Akram Khan’s Giselle is directed for the screen by Ross McGibbon.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the English National Ballet’s website.