Giselle at Artscape: an interview with Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet

  • 0

Brandon Lawrence, Principal at Birmingham Royal Ballet as Albrecht, with Cape Town City Ballet's Leanè Theunissen as Giselle (photographer: Joan Ward).

Debbie Turner, CEO of Cape Town City Ballet, talks to Naomi Meyer about Giselle, now playing at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town until 9 April 2022.

The ballet Giselle is well known, but please could you tell our readers about this special production running at the Artscape this March and April?

DT: We are honoured to have international ballet legend Maina Gielgud with us to stage this production for Cape Town City Ballet. Ms Gielgud presents works all over the world, and the experience of her illustrious career brings another dimension to the production.

We are also privileged to have our international guest artists joining us for select performances: Vadim Muntagirov (principal of The Royal Ballet), Ksenia Ovsyanick, principal ballerina with Staatsballet Berlin, and Brandon Lawrence, principal at Birmingham Royal Ballet, who partners with Cape Town City Ballet’s Leanè Theunissen as Giselle.

........
In addition, we have a South African double debut in the roles of Giselle and Albrecht, danced by Cape Town City Ballet’s Chanté Daniels and Gabriel Ravenscroft, who have been dancing together since they were children.
...........

In addition, we have a South African double debut in the roles of Giselle and Albrecht, danced by Cape Town City Ballet’s Chanté Daniels and Gabriel Ravenscroft, who have been dancing together since they were children. Our principal ballerina, Kirstel Paterson, performs Giselle opposite Lêusson Muniz. So, this is indeed a very special run all round for our production of Giselle.

The times during which the production is taking place are also special – if this is the correct word. A pandemic and a war cannot stand in the way of this ballet. Please could you tell our readers about the challenges Giselle had to face to return to the stage?

DT: Cape Town City Ballet has been operating under COVID-19 protocols since June 2020, when we returned to the studio space with masks and social distancing, among other measures. We have faced uncertainty about international travel, audience capacity and whether we will be able to perform live. We have taken one step at a time and dealt with challenges we have faced as they have arisen, and we are delighted to be here, able to present Giselle on the Artscape stage.

..........
We have taken one step at a time and dealt with challenges we have faced as they have arisen, and we are delighted to be here, able to present Giselle on the Artscape stage.
.........

Please could you elaborate on the practicalities or mention anything you would like to share with people wishing to see Giselle – times, prices, specials, when and where?

DT: Tickets range from R175 to R750, depending on your choice of seating and performance. Select performances feature international guest artists and are accompanied by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. All performances present the talented dancers of the Cape Town City Ballet company.

Why is live theatre important and relevant in this country at this stage in history – even a production as European, if you wish to call it that, as Giselle? Why bring this to a stage in Africa? Why is music universal, even though it looks different in different cultures – why is the language of music and dance understood by everyone?

DT: In times of uncertainty and difficulty, it is art in all its forms that sees us through. Giselle remains a universal story of love and betrayal that can be understood and appreciated anywhere. Music, dance, art and theatre have the power to rise above language and culture to share a common humanity and appreciation of art.

...........
In times of uncertainty and difficulty, it is art in all its forms that sees us through. Giselle remains a universal story of love and betrayal that can be understood and appreciated anywhere.
.............

As a company, Cape Town City Ballet strives to deliver a varied programme that aligns with the global dance landscape, including diversity, creativity, presenting with integrity and the pursuit of excellence.

Book tickets here: https://www.artscape.co.za/event/maina-gielguds-giselle/

  • 0

Reageer

Jou e-posadres sal nie gepubliseer word nie. Kommentaar is onderhewig aan moderering.


 

Top