Myrtha: The Queen of the Wilis in Giselle
Introduction
Myrtha, the Queen of the Wilis, is a pivotal character in the world of ballet, particularly in the renowned Romantic ballet “Giselle.” Her presence is not only central to the narrative but also serves as a symbol of the supernatural and the ethereal. Myrtha’s character has captivated audiences since the ballet’s premiere in 1841, and her role continues to be a significant challenge and honor for ballet dancers worldwide.
“Giselle” is a two-act ballet that tells the story of a young peasant girl named Giselle, who dies of a broken heart after discovering her lover’s betrayal. In the second act, Giselle becomes one of the Wilis, vengeful spirits of betrayed women, led by their queen, Myrtha. The ballet’s hauntingly beautiful choreography and emotional depth have made it a staple in the ballet repertoire, with Myrtha’s character playing a crucial role in its enduring appeal.
Character Background
Origin of the Character
Myrtha was created for the ballet “Giselle,” which premiered at the Paris Opera Ballet on June 28, 1841. The ballet was a collaborative effort, with the libretto written by Théophile Gautier and Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges, and the choreography by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. The music was composed by Adolphe Adam. Myrtha’s character was inspired by the Romantic era’s fascination with the supernatural and the ethereal, drawing from folklore and literature that featured ghostly apparitions and vengeful spirits.
Character’s Role in the Ballet
In “Giselle,” Myrtha is the Queen of the Wilis, a group of supernatural women who have died of broken hearts before their wedding day. The Wilis are known for their vengeful nature, forcing men to dance to their deaths. Myrtha’s role is central to the second act of the ballet, where she commands the Wilis and enforces their will. Her interactions with Giselle and Albrecht, Giselle’s lover, are crucial to the development of the plot and the emotional climax of the ballet.
Character’s Personality and Traits
Myrtha is often portrayed as a cold, commanding, and powerful figure. Her demeanor is regal and authoritative, reflecting her status as the queen of the Wilis. She is unyielding in her pursuit of vengeance, embodying the supernatural force that drives the Wilis. However, her character also possesses a certain ethereal beauty and grace, which is reflected in her choreography. Myrtha’s strengths lie in her leadership and her ability to command the Wilis, while her weaknesses are rooted in her inability to show mercy or compassion.
Character’s Storyline in the Ballet
Plot Summary
“Giselle” is set in a Rhineland village during the grape harvest. The first act introduces Giselle, a peasant girl who falls in love with Albrecht, a nobleman disguised as a villager. When Giselle discovers that Albrecht is already betrothed to another, she dies of a broken heart. In the second act, Giselle becomes one of the Wilis, led by Myrtha. Myrtha commands the Wilis to seek vengeance on Albrecht, but Giselle’s love ultimately saves him from their wrath.
Key Scenes and Moments
- Myrtha’s Entrance: Myrtha’s first appearance in the second act is a defining moment. She enters the stage with a commanding presence, performing a series of grand jetés and arabesques that establish her authority and supernatural nature.
- The Summoning of the Wilis: Myrtha’s summoning of the Wilis is a pivotal scene that showcases her power and control. The Wilis respond to her commands with precise and synchronized movements, highlighting Myrtha’s leadership.
- The Confrontation with Albrecht: Myrtha’s interactions with Albrecht are crucial to the plot. She initially orders the Wilis to force him to dance to his death, but Giselle’s intervention ultimately saves him. This scene highlights Myrtha’s unyielding nature and Giselle’s compassion.
Character’s Development
Myrtha’s character remains relatively consistent throughout the ballet, embodying the supernatural force of vengeance. However, her interactions with Giselle and Albrecht reveal subtle nuances in her character. While she remains unyielding in her pursuit of vengeance, Giselle’s love and compassion ultimately challenge her authority, leading to a resolution that emphasizes the power of love and forgiveness.
Famous Performances and Interpretations
Notable Ballet Dancers
Many renowned ballet dancers have portrayed Myrtha, each bringing their unique interpretation to the role. Some of the most famous dancers include:
- Yvette Chauviré: A legendary French ballerina known for her powerful and commanding portrayal of Myrtha.
- Gelsey Kirkland: An American ballerina celebrated for her ethereal and graceful interpretation of the character.
- Alessandra Ferri: An Italian ballerina whose dramatic and emotional performance as Myrtha captivated audiences worldwide.
Renowned Performances
Several performances of “Giselle” have stood out for their exceptional portrayal of Myrtha:
- Paris Opera Ballet (1983): Yvette Chauviré’s performance as Myrtha was hailed for its technical precision and emotional depth.
- American Ballet Theatre (1977): Gelsey Kirkland’s interpretation of Myrtha was praised for its ethereal beauty and grace.
- La Scala Theatre Ballet (2001): Alessandra Ferri’s dramatic portrayal of Myrtha brought a new level of intensity to the character.
Impact on the Dance World
The performances of these renowned dancers have had a significant impact on the ballet community. Their interpretations of Myrtha have set high standards for technical skill and emotional expression, inspiring future generations of dancers. The role of Myrtha continues to be a benchmark for ballerinas, representing a unique blend of strength, grace, and supernatural allure.
Cultural Impact
Influence Beyond Ballet
Myrtha’s influence extends beyond the world of ballet, inspiring various art forms such as film, literature, and visual arts. The character’s ethereal and supernatural qualities have made her a popular subject in Gothic literature and Romantic art. Additionally, Myrtha’s portrayal in ballet has influenced contemporary dance and theater, with choreographers and directors drawing inspiration from her commanding presence and emotional depth.
Legacy
The legacy of Myrtha in “Giselle” is enduring, with the character remaining a symbol of the supernatural and the ethereal in ballet. Her role continues to challenge and inspire dancers, and her influence can be seen in modern interpretations of the ballet. Myrtha’s character has also become a cultural icon, referenced in various contexts and celebrated for her unique blend of strength and grace.
FAQ
Who created the character of Myrtha?
Myrtha was created for the ballet “Giselle,” which premiered in 1841. The character was developed by the librettists Théophile Gautier and Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges, with choreography by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot, and music by Adolphe Adam.
What is the significance of Myrtha in “Giselle”?
Myrtha is the Queen of the Wilis, a group of supernatural women who seek vengeance on men. Her role is central to the second act of the ballet, where she commands the Wilis and enforces their will. Myrtha’s interactions with Giselle and Albrecht are crucial to the development of the plot and the emotional climax of the ballet.
Who are some of the most famous dancers who have portrayed Myrtha?
Renowned dancers who have portrayed Myrtha include Yvette Chauviré, Gelsey Kirkland, and Alessandra Ferri. Each of these dancers brought their unique interpretation to the role, setting high standards for technical skill and emotional expression.
How has Myrtha been interpreted differently over the years?
Different dancers have brought their unique interpretations to the role of Myrtha. Some have emphasized her commanding and powerful nature, while others have focused on her ethereal beauty and grace. These varied interpretations have enriched the character and contributed to her enduring appeal.
Why is Myrtha considered iconic in the ballet world?
Myrtha is considered iconic in the ballet world due to her central role in “Giselle” and her unique blend of strength, grace, and supernatural allure. The character’s challenging choreography and emotional depth make her a benchmark for ballerinas, and her influence extends beyond ballet into various art forms and cultural contexts.
Conclusion
Myrtha, the Queen of the Wilis in “Giselle,” is a character that embodies the supernatural and the ethereal. Her commanding presence and emotional depth have made her a central figure in the ballet world, challenging and inspiring dancers for generations. The character’s influence extends beyond ballet, impacting various art forms and cultural contexts. Myrtha’s enduring legacy is a testament to the power of ballet to capture the imagination and convey profound emotions through movement and storytelling.
