A special performance film screening of Akram Khan’s Giselle by English National Ballet is being presented in Abu Dhabi at the Cultural Foundation Amphitheatre, located on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street in the city centre. The screening takes place in an open-air amphitheatre setting designed for large-scale cultural programs and cinematic presentations. This event is an arts-focused film screening rather than a live stage performance, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience a landmark contemporary ballet on screen. The Cultural Foundation remains one of Abu Dhabi’s most accessible cultural venues, easily reached from the Corniche and surrounding districts.
A radical reimagining of a classical ballet
Akram Khan’s Giselle transforms the Romantic ballet into a modern story shaped by division, power, and displacement. Set in a harsh, divided world, the narrative follows a community of migrant garment workers known as the Outcasts, cut off from their livelihoods by a towering wall. Giselle belongs to this marginalised group, while the Landlords live on the other side, protected and privileged. The story reframes Giselle as a figure of social vulnerability rather than pastoral innocence, making the ballet resonate strongly with contemporary audiences. As a result, the work feels urgent and emotionally direct.
Love, betrayal, and moral conflict
At the heart of the story lies Giselle’s relationship with Albrecht, whose concealed identity deepens the sense of betrayal. His secret connection to the Landlords shatters Giselle’s trust and leads her toward emotional collapse. In the second act, Giselle joins the Wilis, ghostly women driven by vengeance against men who wronged them. This transformation introduces a powerful moral tension between revenge and forgiveness, especially as Albrecht faces the consequences of his actions. The film captures this conflict with stark clarity and restraint.
Akram Khan’s physical movement language
Choreographed by Akram Khan, the movement language departs sharply from traditional classical ballet vocabulary. Instead, the choreography relies on grounded, forceful gestures and collective physicality. Dancers move as a group as often as individuals, reinforcing themes of labour, exile, and resistance. The choreography demands intense physical commitment from the performers, which translates powerfully on screen. Consequently, the audience experiences the work almost as a visceral drama rather than a decorative ballet.
Music, design, and cinematic scale
Vincenzo Lamagna’s reworked score provides a dark and driving musical foundation, replacing the romantic lightness of earlier versions. Tim Yip’s monumental set designs dominate the visual world, with the wall acting as both physical barrier and symbolic force. Through cinematic direction, the film emphasises scale, shadow, and texture, drawing viewers into the emotional weight of the story. The screen format allows close-ups and wide compositions that deepen narrative impact, making this version especially compelling for film audiences.
The screening experience at Cultural Foundation
The Cultural Foundation Amphitheatre offers tiered seating and clear sightlines, making it well suited to outdoor film screenings. Guests are advised to arrive early to secure comfortable seating and enjoy the surroundings before the screening begins. This event is suitable for solo visitors, couples, and arts-focused audiences, particularly those interested in contemporary dance and socially engaged storytelling. While the atmosphere is relaxed, respectful behaviour is expected throughout the screening.
Getting to the venue with ease
Visitors arriving by car can use Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street to reach the Cultural Foundation, with nearby parking options available around the venue. Traffic typically increases in the early evening, especially on weekdays, so early arrival is recommended. Public transport is also viable, with bus route 41 from Al Zahiyah Corniche Hospital stopping near Hamdan Street, followed by a short walk. Taxis and ride-hailing services remain the most convenient option for evening returns, particularly for guests travelling from other parts of Abu Dhabi.
Audience suitability and tone
This screening is designed for mature audiences due to its intense themes and emotionally heavy narrative. While not explicitly restricted, it may be less suitable for very young children. The film’s focus on loss, exploitation, and moral reckoning gives it a serious tone throughout. Viewers should expect a powerful, sometimes unsettling experience rather than a traditional romantic ballet. Those familiar with classical Giselle will find this interpretation deliberately challenging.
Practical notes and planning advice
Evening weather in Abu Dhabi is generally mild, although outdoor venues can feel cool after sunset, so light layers are advisable. Seating is outdoors, and guests should dress comfortably while remaining respectful of the cultural setting. Traffic around the city centre tends to peak between 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM, making early arrival a sensible choice. Ticket availability and pricing, if applicable, are approximately listed and subject to change, and bookings are typically handled through PLATINUMLIST. Arriving early ensures the best viewing experience and avoids disruption once the screening begins. Cultural program notes shared by the editor of www.few.ae highlight this screening as one of the season’s most thought-provoking dance presentations on screen.