12 – 15 February
A heartrending story of love so powerful it reaches from beyond the grave, Giselle’s exquisite dancing lays bare a tale of passion, betrayal and forgiveness with one of the greatest of all ballerina roles at its centre.
Joburg Ballet dancers sharing the title role during the season are principals Tammy Higgins (role debut), Ryoko Yagyu and Monike Cristina. In the leading male role of Albrecht, audiences will see Revil Yon with Higgins, Ivan Domiciano (role debut) with Yagyu and Bruno Miranda (role debut) with Cristina.
As the icy Queen of the Wilis, audiences can choose from Savannah Ireland and Gabriella Ghiaroni (role debut) while Hilarion will be danced by Gabriel Fernandes and Mario Gaglione (role debut).
In addition to the four leading roles, the ballet also provides a showcase for dancers in supporting roles as well as a massed corps de ballet which appears in the ghostly second act to chilling effect.
The Giselle season aligns perfectly with Valentine’s Day in February. With performances scheduled for the Valentine’s Day weekend, the ballet’s theme of love triumphant making it the ideal opportunity to celebrate with loved ones. There are two performances of Giselle on Valentine’s Day on Saturday 14 February at 2pm and 7pm.