Classic ballet outshines itself
Nutcracker feast for eyes
Ballet classic The Nutcracker has garnered enough momentum to potentially make it a theatre show of the year.
It’s dazzling, even to those who have seen it before and enchanting to people who are seeing it for the first time.
The show certainly ticks most boxes, from dance, stage design, and music.
It is one of those ballet classics that whenever you see it it feels like you are seeing it for the first time. Due to its popularity, Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein had all its shows packed to the rafters.
Written by Pyotr Tchaikovsky in 1892, The Nutcracker is a story of a young girl’s journey to a magical land on Christmas Eve.
The story starts at the Stahlbaums’ house as they prepare for their annual party. The house is decorated with ornaments, and in the centre of it all, a majestic Christmas tree. The children, Fritz and Clara, wait anxiously for their family and friends to arrive.
Guests arrive, and just when everyone is in the mood to dance, a mysterious guest in dark clothing arrives unannounced. It is Dr Drosselmeyer, a magician, and he has brought children gifts. The girls get china dolls and the boys receive bugles. Fritz is given a beautiful drum, but Clara is given the best gift of all, a nutcracker.
At the stroke of midnight, Clara wakes up to frightening scenes as she finds the house, the tree and the toys growing larger. You have to see it yourself to discover what follows next. The costumes, the growing Christmas tree and the scenery – all delight the eye and make the soul soar.
The first act has less dancing than the second one. But it is full of humour, especially in the scenes that involve the kids. Dancers beautifully combine different moves like strong jumps and turns making the ballet a marvel to watch.
The real fun begins in act two where the production technically marvels and the dancers’ skills shine. The second act is breathtaking, filled with high twists and leaps and marvellous toe work.
The Nutcracker is on until October 14.