A haunting reimagining of Giselle, where betrayal meets the struggle for survival
Akram Khan’s Giselle at Sadler’s Wells is an electrifying reimagining of the classic 19th-century ballet, fusing contemporary dance with the emotional core of the original to tell a deeply resonant story of betrayal, social division, and displacement. Set against the bleak backdrop of a modern industrial society, Khan’s adaptation takes the pastoral, romantic world of the original Giselle and reshapes it into a dystopian narrative about migrant workers, the dispossessed, and the forgotten. The result is a gripping, intense production that strips away the fairytale elements and replaces them with harsh social commentary, without losing the haunting beauty and emotional power that define the story.
The production’s set, designed by Tim Yip, immediately immerses the audience in a desolate world. A towering wall looms over the stage, symbolizing division and exclusion. This wall separates the factory workers—those at the bottom of the social hierarchy—from the wealthy elite. The design is minimal yet powerful, providing a visual metaphor for the themes of isolation and alienation that run through the piece. The set’s starkness contrasts with the fluidity of the dancers, whose movements seem to echo their own sense of entrapment and longing for freedom. This visual design, along with atmospheric lighting, sets a foreboding tone that permeates the entire performance.
Khan’s choreography is the heart of the production, combining the rigid structures of classical ballet with the fluid, grounded movements of contemporary dance. Unlike the delicate, ethereal movements of the original ballet, this version of Giselle is muscular and visceral, its choreography rooted in the earth. The characters are weighed down by their circumstances, and the movements reflect this: sharp, angular, and intense. The dancers’ bodies tell the story of struggle, displacement, and resistance, imbuing the narrative with a raw, emotional intensity. Khan’s distinctive style is particularly evident in the interactions between Giselle and Albrecht, where the contrast between their movements mirrors the emotional turmoil between the two characters.
Erina Takahashi’s portrayal of Giselle is at the heart of this production. Takahashi brings a remarkable depth to the role, embodying both vulnerability and strength. Her Giselle is not just a victim of betrayal, but a woman torn apart by the forces beyond her control.
Her command of both classical and contemporary dance allows her to fully inhabit the character, delivering a performance that is as physically demanding as it is emotionally devastating. Her chemistry with James Streeter, who plays Albrecht, adds an additional layer of tragedy to the story, especially in the second act, where their reunion is filled with regret, longing, and sorrow.
The second act, set in the world of the Wilis, reimagines the vengeful spirits of jilted brides as a chorus of angry, dispossessed souls, representing migrant workers trapped in a liminal space. Emma Hawes’ commanding portrayal of Myrtha leads the corps de ballet with a powerful, militaristic precision. The Wilis, in this version, are not just seeking revenge on men but are a collective voice of the downtrodden, oppressed by a system that has left them behind. Their movements are synchronized, conveying an overwhelming sense of collective grief and anger.
Vincenzo Lamagna’s sound design and composition plays a critical role in this production. While it retains elements of Adolphe Adam’s original score, it incorporates electronic and industrial sounds that underscore the tension and unease throughout the performance. The music enhances the sense of desperation and dislocation, creating an auditory experience that is as unsettling as it is beautiful.
Akram Khan’s Giselle is a modern masterpiece, a powerful and poignant retelling of a classic that speaks to the anxieties of the present day. By transforming the traditional narrative into a story of class struggle and displacement, Khan has created a version of Giselle that is both timeless and deeply relevant. The production leaves a lasting impression, challenging audiences to reflect on the human cost of societal division and exclusion.
Cast List for 18/9. Performing at Sadler’s Wells until 28th September.