English National Ballet to perform Akram Khan's "Giselle" in June
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Regarded as one of the greatest romantic ballets of all time, "Giselle" is the first full-length ballet choreographed by Akram Khan. This iconic story of love, betrayal and redemption has been given a haunting reinterpretation by Khan, with stunning costumes and set by Academy Award-winning designer Tim Yip, an adaptation of Adolphe Adam's original score by composer Vincenzo Lamagna, dramaturgy by Ruth Little and lighting design by Tony Award-winner Mark Henderson. The production has been acclaimed by audiences and critics alike and won the 2017 Sky South Bank Award for Dance, Tanz Magazine Award for Production of the Year and 2016 Robert Robson Award for Dance at the Manchester Theatre Awards. The performances will be held at 7.45pm on June 28 and 29 (Thursday and Friday) and at 2.45pm and 7.45pm on June 30 (Saturday) at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
In Khan's version, Giselle is a migrant garment factory worker, who dies after discovering her lover Albrecht, a rich young man who disguises himself as a humble outcast, is betrothed to another. Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis (ghosts of female factory workers who seek revenge for the wrongs done to them in life), summons Giselle from her lifeless body into the realm of death to join the company of the merciless Wilis.
Founded in 1950, the English National Ballet is one of the United Kingdom's most exciting and creative ballet groups, while remaining committed to its original aspiration of taking world-class ballet to the widest possible audience. Under the leadership of artistic director Tamara Rojo, the company stands for artistic excellence and creativity, introducing innovative new works to the repertoire while continuing to honour traditional ballet.
Akram Khan is one of today's most celebrated and respected dance artists. A highlight of his career was the creation of a section of the London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony that was received with unanimous acclaim. He was awarded an MBE for services to dance in 2005. He was also awarded "Best Classical Choreography" in the National Dance Awards 2018 for his choreography of "Giselle".
Tim Yip is acclaimed for his multidisciplinary work in costume and art direction, and visual and contemporary art. His work in "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" won the Academy Award for Best Art Direction and the British Academy Film Award for Best Costume Designer in 2001.
Akram Khan's "Giselle" by the English National Ballet is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The opening performance is solely sponsored by the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Hong Kong Branch. Tickets priced at $200, $360, $520, $680 and $880 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/dance/programs_487.html.
Ends/Monday, March 26, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:15
Issued at HKT 17:15
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