Evening spectacles unfold at the Massimo Theatre this summer season
The Teatro Massimo di Palermo is set to embark on an exciting new season of dance and ballet, with four appointments scheduled for the coming months. One of the highlights of the season is a new choreographic version of the classic ballet, Giselle, created by Jean-Sébastien Colau and Delphine Moussin.
This new production of Giselle is a faithful restaging of the original choreography by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, first performed in the 19th century. Colau's version preserves the traditional narrative and stylistic elements of the ballet while offering a contemporary artistic vision. The production connects directly to the historical roots of Giselle by drawing from Coralli and Perrot’s choreography and likely maintaining its core storyline and movement vocabulary.
The references to historical versions of Giselle are evident in Colau's approach. He has chosen to preserve the names of the original choreographers, paying homage to the tradition of Giselle as an archetypal romantic ballet. This dialogue between the past and present is further emphasized by the use of historical lithographs, sketches, and iconic images from the 19th century, which can be seen in the hand-painted scenes for the new production.
The performance of Giselle has already been well-received, having been showcased at the Nervi International Ballet Festival 2025, involving internationally renowned principal dancers. The production's high artistic level and connection to the ballet’s grand classical tradition are evident in the temper of Giulia Neri and Michele Morelli's pas de deux, and the candor and inflexibility of Francesca Davoli's performance as the queen of the willows.
In addition to Giselle, the season will also see the debut of a new version of "Swan Lake", choreographed by Jean-Sébastian Colau. Maia Makhateli, Principal of the Dutch National Ballet, and Andrea Sarri, principal dancer of the Opéra de Paris, are expected to perform in some performances of "Swan Lake".
The new season, titled "Anime in bilico, oltre i confini", also includes Mauro Bigonzetti's "Caravaggio" and a new production of "Don Quichotte" by José Martinez, Director of the Corps de ballet of the Opéra de Paris. The Massimo palermitano is making an investment in dance, aiming to revive the art of Tersicore in Italian lyric and symphonic foundations.
The new choreographic version of "The Sleeping Beauty" aims to tell the great classic of the choreographic repertoire in a new way. The performance of Martina Pasinotti in the role of Giselle is noted for its ingenuity, candor, balance, and technical caution. Alessandro Casà's performance alternates vivacity with convincing contrition.
This season promises to be an exciting exploration of the world of ballet, with a focus on preserving the historical roots of classic ballets while offering contemporary interpretations. The Teatro Massimo di Palermo is looking forward to welcoming audiences to experience these new productions.
- The upcoming lifestyle event, "Anime in bilico, oltre i confini", at the Teatro Massimo di Palermo, will not only feature a new choreographic version of "Giselle", but also a contemporary interpretation of "Swan Lake", both created by Jean-Sébastien Colau.
- The fashion-and-beauty aspect of this season is reflected in the international renown of Maia Makhateli, Principal of the Dutch National Ballet, and Andrea Sarri, principal dancer of the Opéra de Paris, who are expected to perform in some performances of "Swan Lake".
- The food-and-drink experience can be found in the Teatro Massimo di Palermo's "home-and-garden" environment, providing a perfect setting for relationship building and travel back to the historical roots of classic ballets.
