Giselle review: Hong Kong Ballet combines outstanding dancing with lavish sets
Hong Kong Ballet's new production of Giselle boasts lavish new sets and costumes by internationally acclaimed designer Jérôme Kaplan. The first night featured outstanding performances in the leading roles from guest artists Marianela Nuñez and Matthew Ball.
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The dancing from the company as a whole was excellent, with the female corps de ballet superb as the Wilis (ghosts) in Act 2.
Kaplan has switched the ballet from its usual medieval setting to Victorian times. His Act 1 set is truly stunning – a charming village in the foreground with a vista leading up to a fairy-tale castle in the distance and full of light, a nice contrast to the mournful, moonlit forest of Act 2.
The costumes for the Duke and his aristocratic hunting party are gorgeous, those for the villagers pretty and colourful, if a trifle kitsch, and the long tutus for the Wilis flow nicely to enhance their movement.
The final scene of Act 1 in Hong Kong Ballet's new production of Giselle. Photo: Tony Luk
However, giving Giselle a richly embroidered, off-the-shoulder bodice is misjudged – she's an innocent peasant girl, not a sex kitten – and having Albrecht dance for his life in Act 2 wearing a plaid waistcoat looks bizarre.
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