Principal cast announced for English National Ballet’s Giselle by Akram Khanat at BAM

Principal cast announced for English National Ballet’s Giselle by Akram Khanat at BAM

BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) has announced the principal cast for the New York premiere of the English National Ballet’s (ENB) Giselle, directed and choreographed by Akram Khan.

Joining ENB’s Artistic Director and Lead Principal in the principal cast are Aitor Arrieta, Isaac Hernández, and James Streeter as Albrecht; Jeffrey Cirio, Daniel McCormick, and Erik Woolhouse as Hilarion; Fernanda Oliveira and Erina Takahashi as Giselle; and as Myrtha, Isabelle Brouwers and Stina Quagebeur who originated the role.

This fresh, stunning, and contemporary take on one of the greatest Romantic ballets in history weaves themes of social inequality and otherness into a treasured tale of love, betrayal, and redemption. A cast of almost 50 dancers thrills with powerful imagery and mesmerizing choreography. As the curtain rises, dancers in shadow push against a large wall. From that moment on, Akram Khan’s Giselle stuns with powerful images and mesmerizing choreography.

With a new “ominous, gothic” score (The Observer) by Vincenzo Lamagna adapted from Adolphe Adam’s original composition, the production features spectacular sets and costumes by Academy Award-winning designer Tim Yip (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and atmospheric lighting design by Mark Henderson that creates the rich world of Khan’s timely reimagining: a condemned factory haunted by vengeful ghosts and collective female rage.

Regarding Khan’s Giselle The New York Times said, Bravo…a beautiful and intelligent remaking of the beloved classic.”

Akram Khan is one of the most celebrated and respected dance artists of today. In just over 19 years he has created a body of work that has contributed significantly to the arts in the UK and abroad.

Artistic Director Tamara Rojo will dance the title role for two performances on June 8 & 11.

Performances of Giselle will be at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House June 8-11. Tickets start at $35 and are on sale now here