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Giselle 20 January - 17 February 2008 Maynardville Open-air Theatre - Sundays only The Cape Town City Ballet prepares Giselle, the ultimate classical ballet, for the idyllic setting of Maynardville Open-air Theatre during January and February 2008. For more than a century, since its premier in 1841 in Paris this two- act romantic ballet has enjoyed huge success and has become one of the best -loved ballets of all time. Known as the "Hamlet" of dance, Giselle highlights the ballerina as a dancer and an actress.

The story tells of a young peasant girl, Giselle who falls in love with a prince named Albrecht, who is disguised as a peasant. When his identity is revealed to Giselle by the jealous Hilarion, she goes mad and dies of a broken heart. She becomes one of the Wilis, spirits of young girls who die of broken hearts before their wedding day. The Queen of the Wilis commands Giselle to lure Albrecht to his death, but she dances with him until dawn when he gently carries her back to her grave. Maynardville Park is ideal for picnicking in on a balmy summer's evening before the show starts and has become very popular.