WILKES-BARRE, PA — The Grand Kyiv Ballet will present the French ballet “Giselle” at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, February 29 at 7 p.m.

The world premiere of “Giselle” took place in 1842 in Paris. 

The legend behind the ballet tells the story of the Wilis, the spirits of maidens who died after being betrayed by their lovers. Unable to withstand the betrayal, the girls died and turned into vengeful and cruel spirits, who settled scores with young men at night. 

The music is by Adolf Adan; the choreography by Marius Petipa, Jules Perrot and Jean Coralli; and the libretto is by Théophile Gautier, Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges and Jean Coralli. It is based on a legend retold by Heinrich Heine. 

“In the first act of the performance, you need to convey all the experiences of Giselle: her joy, desires, love—and at the end of the same act, when Giselle realizes that Albert has betrayed her, it is necessary to show the viewer all the pain of loss and betrayal, from which Giselle goes crazy,” said National Opera of Ukraine premiere ballerina Kateryna Kukhar, discussing the role. “The scene of madness must be played in such a way that the viewer has a lump in his throat. And in the second act, on the contrary—turn off all feelings and play invisible in the afterlife. Returning from there to normal life is absolutely not easy.” 

Ticket costs range from $34 to $84 plus fees, and there are discounts for children aged 12 and under. 

Tickets can be purchased online at www.kirbycenter.org, www.ticketmaster.com and at the F.M. Kirby Center box office during regular business hours. You can also call the center at 570/826-1100.

The F.M. Kirby Center is located at 71 Public Square.

Learn more at www.kirbycenter.org.

For more information about the Grand Kyiv Ballet, visit www.grandkyivballet.com.ua/en/about/.