Synopsis: The peasant girl Giselle has fallen in love with Albrecht. When she
discovers that he is actually a nobleman promised to another, she kills herself
in despair. Her spirit joins the Wilis: the vengeful ghosts of women hell-bent
on killing any man who crosses their path in a dance to the death. Wracked with
guilt, Albrecht visits Giselle’s grave, where he must face the Wilis – and
Giselle’s ghost.
Peter Wright’s 1985 production of this quintessential Romantic ballet is a
classic of The Royal Ballet repertory. Set to Adolphe Adam’s evocative score
and with atmospheric designs by John Macfarlane, Giselle conjures up the
earthly and otherworldly realms in a tale of love, betrayal and redemption.