Akram Khan’s Giselle, a defining dance masterpiece of the 21st century, reinterprets the classical ballet of the same name. Premiered by the English National Ballet in 2016, this adaptation reimagines Giselle as a migrant garment factory worker, replacing her pastoral innocence with a poignant critique of capitalism woven into the fabric of romantic tragedy. The production received widespread critical acclaim, earning prestigious accolades such as the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance and the National Dance Award for Best Classical Choreography.

The original Giselle, a two-act ballet, debuted in Paris in 1841 and is set in medieval Germany. It recounts the story of Giselle, a young village girl who falls in love with Albrecht, a nobleman disguised as a peasant. Their love, though immediate, is doomed when she learns he is already engaged to a noblewoman. Heartbroken, Giselle ends her life with Albrecht’s sword and becomes a Wili—a spectral spirit of the underworld who compels men to dance to their deaths under the moonlight.

In his reimagining of Giselle, Akram Khan revisits the themes of class struggle and power dynamics, continuing his collaboration with the English National Ballet after Dust. Working alongside dramaturg Ruth Little, Khan deepens the narrative’s socio-political resonance. Academy Award-winning designer Tim Yip crafts an imposing industrial wasteland—a cursed, unyielding realm where a towering set exudes an ominous chill. Shadows seem to come alive in this reinterpreted classic, enveloping Giselle in a ghostly atmosphere that transforms the timeless tale into a hauntingly reborn vision.

Choreographer / Akram Khan

Renowned worldwide, Akram Khan is one of the most celebrated storytellers in dance. Born in London to Bangladeshi parents, he bases his work on the traditional North Indian Kathak dance. In 2002, he founded the Akram Khan Company, frequently collaborating with top international artists, including French ballet star Sylvie Guillem, Taiwan’s LIN Hwai-min, actress Juliette Binoche, and flamenco icon Israel Galván. As a choreographer, Khan has developed a close relationship with the English National Ballet, creating pieces like Dust and the acclaimed reimagining of the classic romantic ballet Giselle. Over the years, he has received numerous awards, including the MBE presented by Queen Elizabeth II in 2005, the Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dance, and the ISPA Distinguished Artist Award.

English National Ballet 

Founded in 1950 as London Festival Ballet by the great English dancers Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, it has been at the forefront of ballet’s growth and evolution ever since.

English National Ballet brings world class ballet to the widest possible audience through performances across the UK and on eminent international stages; its distinguished orchestra, English National Ballet Philharmonic; its digital platforms Ballet on Demand and BalletActive; being a UK leader in creative learning and engagement practice, building innovative partnerships to deliver flagship programmes such as Dance for Parkinson’s; and through talent development initiatives including Ballet Futures which looks to create a more diverse and inclusive future for the artform.

English National Ballet continues to add ground-breaking new works to its repertoire whilst celebrating the tradition of great classical ballet, gaining acclaim for artistic excellence and creativity. 2019 saw the Company enter a new chapter in its history with a move to a purpose-built state-of-the-art home in East London, allowing a renewed commitment to creativity, ambition, and connection to more people, near and far, than ever before.

Creative and Production Team  

Direction and Choreography／Akram Khan

Visual and Costume Designer／Tim YIP

Composition and Sound Designer／Vincenzo LAMAGNA (after the original score by Adolphe ADAM)

Orchestration／Gavin SUTHERLAND

Lighting Designer／Mark HENDERSON

Dramaturgy／Ruth LITTLE

Assistant Choreographer／Andrej PETROVIC

Repetiteur／Mavin KHOO

Sound Designer／Yvonne GILBERT

Co-produced by Sadler's Wells and Manchester International Festival