Star-Studded Premiere of Hong Kong Ballet’s new Giselle
Hong Kong Ballet’s final programme this season was the premiere of a new production of the classic “Giselle” at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. This new production of “Giselle” is staged by the artistic director Septime Webre and Charla Genn.
The choreographic text is mostly faithful to Petipa’s productions of this classic for the Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg in the late 19th century. However it is a pity that the mime scene of Giselle’s mother in Act 1 foretelling her death has been excised. Also the peasant duet in Act 1 has inexplicably been expanded into a quartet, which is unnecessary.
A highlight of this premiere was the appearance of four guest principal dancers from two renowned European ballet companies. The first weekend saw the return of three guests who had all danced with the Hong Kong Ballet last season. Marianela Nunez, a world famous star of The Royal Ballet in London, has a large following of ballet fans here in Hong Kong. Matthew Ball, another principal of The Royal Ballet, and Constantine Allen, a principal of the Dutch National Ballet, also delighted the local audience.
On the opening night, Marianela Nunez was superb in the title role. She was innocent and fresh as the peasant girl in Act 1. Her shock when she found out that she had been cheated by Albrecht was shattering. Her mad scene was nuanced and detailed, building up to the tragic climax. In Act 2 as the Wili, she danced with an emotional intensity.
Nunez was partnered by Matthew Ball, her Royal Ballet colleague. Ball was an ardent Albrecht. He was moving at the end when he realised that Giselle had disappeared after saving his life. Ball is a stylish classical danseur. His impeccable series of ‘entrechats’ at the end of Act 2 was dazzling.
Also outstanding was the second night’s performance led by Constantine Allen and Ye Feifei, the top ballerina of the company. Ye has a long beautiful line and a secure and formidable technique. In Act 1, Ye’s acting was heartfelt. In the Act 2 duet, her dancing had a calmness of centre that was spiritually soothing.
Constantine Allen had an irresistible charm and charisma on stage. His acting was vivid and naturalistic. His technical virtuosity was most exciting. His space-devouring ‘grand jete’ jumps were simply spectacular. He partnered Ye excellently especially in the big overhead lifts in Act 2.
Wang Qingxin danced with authority as the Queen of the Wilis. In the supporting roles, Garry Corpuz was convincing as the evil Hilarion, the love rival of Albrecht. Lindzay Chan, a former principal of the company, shone in the role of Giselle’s mother. The corps de ballet of Wilis was quite impressive in its uniformity. The City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong performed Adam’s score beautifully under the baton of the famed ballet conductor Faycal Karoui.
The designer for this new production is the renowned French designer Jerome Kaplan, who was also responsible for Hong Kong Ballet’s production of “Coco Chanel” two years ago. He has designed lush new sets that evoke a 19th-century French landscape. The backdrop in Act 1 features a castle inspired by the Chateau de Pierrefond near Paris, and the two cottages are modelled after Marie Antoinette’s hamlet at Versailles. His costumes are lavish and tasteful.
This new production of “Giselle” is a winner. And Hong Kong Ballet’s artistic director Septime Webre deserves praise for continuing to invite illustrious guest stars such as Marianela Nunez and Constantine Allen to delight the local public and enrich the company’s performances.
There are four more performances this coming weekend. Victor Caixeta, a former principal of the Dutch National Ballet, will dance on Friday night and Sunday. Not to be missed.
Photo – by Tony Luk
Dancer – Marianela Nunez
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