In Preview: Жизель, или обманутые несесты/Giselle, ou les Wilis

On June 13th, the third year course at the Moscow Art Theater School (Курс Д.В. Брусникин, Р.Е. Козак) held its second открытый прогон (full dress run with audience) of "Giselle, or the deceived brides" on the New Stage of the Moscow Art Theater.  The director/choreographer is Alla Sigalova.

The piece is loosely based on the balet by Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges and Théophile Gautier with music by Adolphe Adam.  The piece runs a little over an hour, and it is obvious that while still in 'preview', as it grows and gains experience onstage it is sure to develop into a powerful success.  Alla Sigalova continues to innovate and defies repetition within the walls of the school, while at the same time maintaining her own professional signature style; choreographical story telling to be performed by dramatic actors, not dancers. 

Also refreshing in this piece is the use of color in the first act of the piece.  I emphasize color, because of all the pieces I have seen of hers (Кармен. Этюды, Стравинский: игры, На едине с тобою, Бедная лиза) this is the first time I have seen the entire stage and actors literally painted with bright pastels, creating an atmosphere of spring time and joy.

I found this piece to be particularly moving not just because the story is powerful, but also because of the circumstances in which this performance is taking place.  It seems appropriate that after the tragic events at the end of May that the first show this course places in front of an audience is directed by none other than Alla Sigalova.  She herself seems to be leading the way out of mourning for this group, and is showing extraordinary courage, strength, and grace while doing so...But would we expect anything less from Alla Sigalova?  Her use of color was particularly powerful to me, all things considered.  

In the end, while there are a few rough patches that need work, the most noticable of which is a hole in the dramatic development that needs to be filled between the first and second parts when the action shifts from the land of the living to the land of the Wilis (the dead, deceived brides who have tragically met their end before their wedding day), it is obvious that the work is excellent, and will be ready for its step from 'preview' to 'premiere'... 

This show is bound to be a powerful artistic success in the future, and is a just as powerful moral success today.  I wish the kids and Alla Mikhailovna the best as it continues to develop...

-A