Giselle

GISELLE
A timeless ballet of love, betrayal, and forgiveness returns to the stage
20–22 February 2026 | Opera Theatre, Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa – The South African State Theatre, in partnership with Joburg Ballet,
proudly presents Giselle, one of the world’s most beloved classical ballets, running from 20 to 22
February 2026 at the Opera Theatre.

A richly romantic masterpiece, Giselle is a haunting and beautiful story of love so powerful it reaches
beyond the grave. Set against a world of passion, deception, and redemption, the ballet follows the
fragile peasant girl Giselle, whose heart is broken by betrayal yet transformed through forgiveness.
This enduring classic continues to captivate audiences with its emotional depth, lyrical movement,
and exquisite musicality.

Produced and staged by Angela Malan, the 2026 season of Giselle marks a milestone moment as it
launches Joburg Ballet’s 25th anniversary year. The production carries profound historical
significance, as Giselle was the very first ballet performed by the company, then known as the South
African Ballet Theatre, when it was founded in 2001 at the South African State Theatre.
Now, twenty-five years later, this return to Pretoria is both a celebration of artistic excellence and a
tribute to the legacy of classical ballet in South Africa.

Featuring South Africa’s finest ballet dancers, Giselle unfolds in two contrasting worlds – the warmth
and innocence of the village and the ethereal realm of the Wilis. From buoyant joy to supernatural
stillness, the production showcases breath-taking technique, dramatic storytelling, and the emotionalpower that has made Giselle a cornerstone of the classical repertoire.

More than a ballet, Giselle is an immersive theatrical experience – a poignant reflection on love, loss,
and the possibility of grace even in the face of heartbreak. Whether experienced for the first time or
revisited by devoted ballet lovers, this production promises an unforgettable evening of beauty,
emotion, and artistic mastery.

PRODUCTION DETAILS
Production: Giselle
Genre: Ballet / Dance
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes (excluding interval)
Age Restriction: Suitable for all ages
Venue: Opera Theatre, South African State Theatre
Season: 20–22 February 2026
CREATIVE & PRODUCTION TEAM
Presented by: Joburg Ballet NPC
Producer & Staging: Angela Malan
Artistic Director: Dane Hurst
Production Manager: Vanessa Nicolau
BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES
Tickets available via Webtickets and Pick n Pay outlets nationwide.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Bongani Nicholas Ngomane
Tel: 072 700 6030
Email: bongani@statetheatre.co.za
DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA
Website: www.statetheatre.co.za
General Enquiries: 012 392 4000
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Giselle

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