Visions under the summer sky at the Teatro Massimo
The Teatro Massimo di Palermo is set to captivate audiences with a new production of the classic ballet, "Giselle," choreographed by Jean-Sébastien Colau. This re-staging of the original ballet, first choreographed by Coralli and Perrot, promises to be a thoughtful reimagining that retains the ballet's classical roots while infusing it with artistic modernity.
Colau's version respectfully recreates the original choreography, potentially with updated choreographic nuances, blending tradition with modern expression. The production will be accompanied by the Teatro Massimo orchestra, conducted by Nir Kabaretti, enhancing the musical experience.
Francesco Zito's modern set design provides a fresh scenic perspective suitable to Colau’s choreography. The production reflects a dramaturgical emphasis on multiple facets of the characters, aiming to "tell a story you need more than one face," indicating a psychological complexity brought to the performance by Colau’s direction.
Compared to previous versions, which tend to focus strictly on the classical choreography and romantic-era presentation, Colau’s version seems to integrate a contemporary sensibility while retaining the original’s essence. This could manifest in nuanced character interpretation, dynamic pacing, or visual innovation in staging.
In the performance, Martina Pasinotti delivers an ingenious, candid, balanced, and technically cautious portrayal of the title role. Francesca Davoli lends the queen of the willows candor and inflexibility. The second act includes choreographic designs that evoke historic tributes paid by Chalon to the four undisputed stars of 19th-century dance.
The spirits of the night have their veils kept on for a long segment of the second act, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the performance.
Elsewhere, the new "Swan Lake" production, set in the era of "The Leopard," will be faithful to the heritage of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. The production references historical lithographs, sketches, and images from the 19th century, promising a faithful recreation of the original's spirit.
The 2025-2026 season's program for dance appointments in Palermo is titled "Anime in bilico, oltre i confini." It includes the new choreographic version of "Giselle," as well as "Caravaggio" by Mauro Bigonzetti and a new version of "The Sleeping Beauty."
In March, "Don Quichotte" will be presented, signed by José Martinez - Director of the Corps de ballet of the Opéra de Paris. The production will be realized in coproduction with the Opéra National de Bordeaux. The pas de deux of the peasants benefits from the temper of Giulia Neri and Michele Morelli.
The Massimo Theatre of Palermo continues to invest in dance, potentially expanding the Palermo troupe to revive the art of Terpsichore in Italian lyric and symphonic foundations. Maia Makhateli, Principal of the Dutch National Ballet, and Andrea Sarri, principal dancer of the Opéra de Paris, will appear in some performances of the new "Swan Lake."
All in all, the upcoming dance season in Palermo promises a rich and diverse array of productions, each offering a unique take on classic ballets, while maintaining the soul of the original works.
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