Ballet gets a makeover amid fears of racism
IT was first performed nearly 130 years ago and has become one of the world’s best-known ballets.
But now a dance company is making ‘important’ changes to its upcoming production of The Nutcracker – as part of its commitment to tackling racism.
Scottish Ballet said the Chinese and Arabian-inspired scenes will have updated costumes and choreography to ‘remove elements of caricature’ and better represent the culture and traditions which have inspired them.
Artistic director Christopher Hampson said ‘rectifying inappropriate cultural stereotypes’ will add to the heritage of the production, originally choreographed by Scottish Ballet founder Peter Darrell in 1972.
Meanwhile the character of the magician Drosselmeyer will be played by male and female dancers in this tour of the production, which opens at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh on December 1.
The developments come after Scottish Opera withdrew its nomination from the South Bank Sky
‘Art must speak to our times’
Arts awards earlier this year following criticism of ‘yellowface’ make-up in its production of Nixon in China.
It said it was ‘deeply sorry for the offence caused by the casting’ of the production, which depicts the 1972 meeting of Mao Zedong and President Nixon.
Last night Mr Hampson, who is also the dance company’s chief executive, said: ‘At Scottish Ballet, we want to drive anti-racism, clear and simple.
‘If we see racist stereotypes or if we hear about racism within the ballet world, it must be addressed. The Nutcracker was created in 1972, when it was acceptable to represent other cultures through imitation.
‘By rectifying inappropriate cultural stereotypes, we’re adding to the production’s heritage and making it richer.
‘Art must evolve to speak to our times, which is why our Drosselmeyer will be played by male and female dancers.
‘I made this change after considering who our heroes are in ballets, and it struck me that there was nothing about this role that suggested only a man could deliver it.’