In a very special addition to the biennial Festival programme, the world premiere of Akram Khan’sGiselle will take place in Manchester in 2016. A co-production between English National Ballet, Sadler’s Wells Theatre and MIF, this landmark new version of the greatest of all romantic ballets will receive its world premiere at the Palace Theatre in September 2016.

Akram Khan is one of the UK’s most renowned and sought-after choreographers. His beautiful and innovative works include Gnosis, the Olivier Award-winning DESH and a section of Danny Boyle’s London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. An Associate Artist of Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Khan previously collaborated with English National Ballet in 2014 on the hugely acclaimed Dust, part of the Lest We Forgetprogramme commemorating World War I.

For his new interpretation of this timeless, iconic tale of love, heartbreak and redemption, Khan will be joined by an all-star team of collaborators. Academy Award-winning designer Tim Yip, most famous for his work on the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, will create the set and costumes, while composer Ben Frost will be adapting Adolphe Adam’s original music into a new score for English National Ballet Philharmonic. Renowned dramaturg Ruth Little and Olivier Award-winning lighting designer Mark Henderson are also part of the key creative team.

Giselle will receive its world premiere at the Palace Theatre in Manchester from 27 September to 1 October 2016. The production will then travel to theBristol Hippodrome (18-22 October 2016), theMayflower Theatre in Southampton (26-29 October 2016) and Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London (15-19 November 2016).

Direction and Choreography Akram Khan
Dramaturgy Ruth Little
Music Adolphe AdamScore adaptation and original music Ben Frost
Visual design and costumes Tim Yip
Lighting Design Mark Henderson
Assistant Choreographer Andrej Petrovic
Rehearsal Director Mavin Khoo