Review – NATIONAL BALLET OF JAPAN: GISELLE

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by Mariana Nechaieva

Sometimes people judge the show by the sound: how loud or quiet was the music, how well was the soundtrack written, how explosive and continuous was the applause. However, I believe that the real indicator of whether or not the performance was good is silence. When the performance truly grips the audience, there’s no whispering, sneezing, or coughing. Everything fades before the stage. And that’s exactly what happened at the London Royal Opera House this Sunday afternoon during Giselle, brought to stage by the young National Ballet of Japan, which isn’t even 30 years old. 

A magical story of love, betrayal and forgiveness is masterfully performed by Yuri Kimura (as Giselle) and Takafumi Watanabe (as Albrecht). Their partnership on stage brings a profound depth to the timeless narrative, transforming every movement into a testament to their characters’ intertwined fates. Kimura’s portrayal of Giselle is particularly captivating, transitioning flawlessly from the innocent, joyful peasant girl in Act I to the ethereal, forgiving spirit in Act II. Her delicate precision and emotional vulnerability draw the audience into Giselle’s tragic journey. Watanabe, as Albrecht, conveys a powerful sense of conflicted remorse and desperate love, making his every interaction with Giselle, both alive and as a Wili, incredibly moving. 

The stunning orchestra accompanied extremely talented and professional dancers, who made every move seem like it’s nothing, even though you know for sure how much work was put into it. From the bright and sunny German village in Act I to the misterios foggy forest in Act II, Dick Bird’s out-of-this-world decorations perfectly suited the performance and immersed in the story even further… 

Definitely a must-see version of Giselle!