Royal Ballet's 'Giselle' Cinema Release: Akane Takada Stars in Peter Wright’s Acclaimed Production Starting May 29
The Royal Ballet leverages the commercial potential of artistic content through the 'Royal Ballet & Opera in Cinema' season, employing a localization strategy featuring Japanese star dancer Akane Takada.
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- 📰 Published: May 29, 2026 at 04:41
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The 'Royal Ballet & Opera in Cinema' series brings world-class performances from the Royal Opera House to the big screen, allowing audiences to experience the drama and music of the London stage with high-definition visuals and powerful sound. As part of the 2025/26 season, the classic romantic ballet 'Giselle' will be screened nationwide in Japan for a limited one-week engagement from May 29 to June 4.
This production features Principal dancer Akane Takada in the title role, a part that has been pivotal to her career since her promotion to Principal in 2016. Performing alongside her as Albrecht is Matthew Ball, known for his elegant presence and dramatic range. Dance critic Naomi Mori highlights Takada’s performance for its delicate emotional transition from a joyful village girl to a fragile spirit, noting the haunting realism of the 'mad scene.'
Unlike other versions where Giselle dies of a broken heart, Peter Wright’s production is distinguished by Giselle taking her own life with Albrecht’s sword, emphasizing her internal despair. The production also features Valentino Zucchetti as Hilarion and Annette Buvoli as Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis. Rising Japanese talents Sae Maeda and Daichi Igarashi appear in the Act I Pas de Six.
Story Overview:
Act I: In a Rhineland village, the frail Giselle falls in love with Albrecht, a nobleman disguised as a peasant. When the woodman Hilarion reveals Albrecht's true identity and his engagement to Princess Bathilde, Giselle descends into madness and takes her own life.
Act II: Giselle is summoned from her grave by Myrtha and the Wilis, spirits of betrayed brides. They force Hilarion to dance to his death and target Albrecht. Giselle’s love transcends death as she protects Albrecht until dawn breaks, causing the Wilis to vanish. She returns to her grave, leaving Albrecht alone in his grief.
This production features Principal dancer Akane Takada in the title role, a part that has been pivotal to her career since her promotion to Principal in 2016. Performing alongside her as Albrecht is Matthew Ball, known for his elegant presence and dramatic range. Dance critic Naomi Mori highlights Takada’s performance for its delicate emotional transition from a joyful village girl to a fragile spirit, noting the haunting realism of the 'mad scene.'
Unlike other versions where Giselle dies of a broken heart, Peter Wright’s production is distinguished by Giselle taking her own life with Albrecht’s sword, emphasizing her internal despair. The production also features Valentino Zucchetti as Hilarion and Annette Buvoli as Myrtha, Queen of the Wilis. Rising Japanese talents Sae Maeda and Daichi Igarashi appear in the Act I Pas de Six.
Story Overview:
Act I: In a Rhineland village, the frail Giselle falls in love with Albrecht, a nobleman disguised as a peasant. When the woodman Hilarion reveals Albrecht's true identity and his engagement to Princess Bathilde, Giselle descends into madness and takes her own life.
Act II: Giselle is summoned from her grave by Myrtha and the Wilis, spirits of betrayed brides. They force Hilarion to dance to his death and target Albrecht. Giselle’s love transcends death as she protects Albrecht until dawn breaks, causing the Wilis to vanish. She returns to her grave, leaving Albrecht alone in his grief.
FAQ
When and where can I watch the Royal Ballet's 'Giselle'?
The film will be screened for one week only, from May 29 (Friday) to June 4 (Thursday), at TOHO Cinemas Nihonbashi and other theaters across Japan.
What makes Akane Takada's performance in this production special?
Takada, a Principal of the Royal Ballet, has a deep connection to the role, having performed a variation from 'Giselle' at the Prix de Lausanne in 2008 and being promoted to Principal after a 2016 performance of the full ballet.
How does the Peter Wright version differ from other productions of 'Giselle'?
The most significant difference is the 'mad scene' in Act I; instead of dying from heart failure due to shock, Giselle commits suicide using Albrecht's sword.