GISELLE

(Pic: Megan Swart, who alternates with Laura Bosenberg in the title role)

Cape Town City Ballet at the Playhouse from August 14 to 16.

The Cape Town City Ballet in association with The Playhouse Company is to present Giselle in the Playhouse Opera from August 14 to 16, 2009.

Giselle is arguably the most popular of all Romantic ballets, choreographed in 1841 by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, to the beautiful Adolphe Adam score. Performances of Giselle in South Africa date from as far back as 1947, when Alexis Rassine partnered Olive James in a production of the second act, mounted by the South African National Ballet, at the City Hall in Cape Town.

The version that the Cape Town City Ballet brings to Durban was first created by the late David Poole in the Nico Malan Opera House in 1972, with Phyllis Spira partnered by Eduard Greyling in the leading roles. Elizabeth Triegaardt danced the role of Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis, and Owen Murray appearing as Hilarion.

Durban audiences will see the Cape Town City Ballet’s ballerinas, Megan Swart and Laura Bosenberg, alternate in the title role, supported by Xola Putye and Thomas Thorne as Albrecht, the nobleman who betrays her and sends her to an early grave.

The role of Myrtha in this production will be danced by Angela Hansford and Janine Laidlow, with Robin van Wyk and Mervyn Williams filling the role of Hilarion. Johnny Bovang will perform the role of the Duke, with Jane Fidler as Albrecht’s betrothed.

The CTCB is delighted to include dancers from the South African Ballet Theatre in this production, dancing in the Peasant Pas de Six in the first act and as Leading Wilis in the second.

Performances are on August 14 at 19h30, August 15 at 14h00 and 19h30 and on August 16 at 15h00. Tickets range from R70 to R120. Book through Computicket on 083 915 8000 or call Playhouse Box Office on 031 369 9540 or 031 369 9596 (office hours).