Evening spectacles unfold at Teatro Massimo during summer's reign

Evening spectacles unfold at Teatro Massimo during summer's reign

In the world of ballet, tradition and innovation often walk hand in hand. This is certainly the case with Jean-Sébastien Colau's latest production of Giselle, now gracing the stage at Teatro Massimo in Palermo.

Colau's choreography pays homage to the historical versions of Giselle primarily through adherence to the classical ballet tradition. The production collaborates with the Teatro Massimo orchestra under conductor Nirkabarett, ensuring a faithful performance of the original Adolphe Adam score.

The key elements in Colau’s version include the preservation of the iconic narrative and emotional dynamics of Giselle, as well as a commitment to maintaining the classic narrative and stylistic elements inherent to the ballet. This approach respects the historical significance of Giselle and its legacy in ballet repertoires.

Martina Pasinotti's Giselle is characterized by ingenuity, candor, balance, and technical caution. Francesca Davoli lends the queen of the willows candor and inflexibility, with refined port de bras. Alessandro Casà skillfully alternates vivacity with convincing contrition in his performance.

The new production does not betray the soul of the title. Hand-painted scenes recall the "maquettes à l'aquarelle" of Alexandre Benois from 1948, adding a touch of timeless beauty to the production.

The 2025-2026 season, titled "Anime in bilico, oltre i confini", promises a rich tapestry of characters and titles, with four appointments with dance and ballet. Martinez's Don Quichotte will take the stage in March, directed by José Martinez, Director of the Ballet Corps of the Opéra de Paris.

The summer season in Palermo, after "Canto per Santa Rosalia", features an exploration of Platonic philosophy, mythology, and female personality with "Olimpo - Serata di Danza". The tragic female figures of literature and opera are the focus of the second and final coreutic segment of the summer season: the show "Fatalità" features Giulietta, Traviata, Anna Karenina, and Carmen.

In addition to Giselle, upcoming productions include Caravaggio by Mauro Bigonzetti and The Sleeping Beauty in a production by the Salzburger Landestheater with choreography by Reginaldo Oliveira. The pas de deux of the peasants benefits from the temperament of Giulia Neri and Michele Morelli.

Jean-Sébastien Colau dreams of presenting Swan Lake in the new season, with a new version signed by Colau himself, faithful to the heritage of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. The production will feature international guests, including Maia Makhateli, Principal of the Dutch National Ballet, and Andrea Sarri, principal dancer of the Opéra de Paris.

The "spirits of the night" in the second act keep their veils for a long segment, emphasizing the Slavic tradition that is the backbone of the work. With such a promising lineup, it seems that the art of Terpsichore is in good hands at Teatro Massimo in Palermo.

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