Love beyond the grave
In classical ballet, Giselle best captures the essence of love that transcends death. The theme is underscored in Act 2 which is set in the graveyard where Giselle – who has passed away after her lover Albrecht’s betrayal – joins kindred spirits known as the wilis.
It’s a hauntingly beautiful sight when the ladies in white flit about and move in unison as fog blankets the ground. But things also turn ominous as the wilis, commanded by their queen, Myrtha, exact their vengeance – first on the gamekeeper Hilarion, and then on Count Albrecht.
Driven by pure love, Giselle pleads on the latter’s behalf when he is made to dance beyond his limits. The pair engages in an ethereal pas de deux. In the end, having survived the night because of Giselle’s intercession, the grief-stricken Albrecht repentantly mourns at her tomb.
From the years that Ballet Manila has been staging Giselle since 1999, here are a few select photographs.
Lisa Macuja-Elizalde exudes lightness as she seems to float, in keeping with her role as the ghostly Giselle. She performed this role for the last time in 2012 as part of her Swan Song Series. Photo by Jojo Mamangun
One icy stare from Myrtha (Rissa May Camaclang, center), queen of the wilis, can silence even the bravest of men. Photo by Erickson Dela Cruz
Twins Jessica Pearl Dames and Jasmine Pia Dames are the lead wilis in the 2019 staging of Giselle at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Photos by Giselle P. Kasilag
Osias Barroso and Lisa Macuja bring the tragic romance of Albrecht and Giselle to the stage in Ballet Manila’s first performance of the full-length Giselle in 1999. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
Abigail Oliveiro casts an eerie silhouette as Giselle in her debut of the full-length role in 2019. Photo by Erickson Dela Cruz
Surrounded by wilis, Hilarion (Francis Cascaño) is commanded by Myrtha (Se Hee Hong) to dance against his will. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
The corps de ballet’s ability to dance as one ensures that Act 2 will make an impact on audiences. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
Two Albrechts grieve at Giselle’s tomb: Osias Barroso (top) in 1999 and Romeo Peralta in 2019. Photos by Ocs Alvarez and Erickson Dela Cruz
Hilarion (Mark Sumaylo) pleads for his life but Myrtha (Akari Ida) remains unmoved. Photo by Giselle P. Kasilag
Joan Emery Sia and Elpidio Magat dance as Giselle and Albrecht in Act 2’s iconic pas de deux. Photo by Ocs Alvarez
