From 1 to 10 December, ballet lovers can enjoy one of the world’s best-loved ballets at the Teatro at Montecasino. Joburg Ballet will be bringing The Nutcracker to stage, with the production being staged by guest producer, Angela Malan. In addition, it will showcase an impressive line-up of dancers in the leading roles.
Traditionally, The Nutcracker has been a ballet connected to the festive season for ages. In fact, this classical Tchaikovsky ballet is as Christmassy as it gets. Yet, it’s far from the true Christmas story with Maria, Joseph, the baby Jesus and the three wise men. Still, families across the globe watch this ballet year after year and it’s become an annual tradition to many.
In the story of The Nutcracker, a young girl called Clara tiptoes downstairs on Christmas Eve to play with her favourite gift – a nutcracker. Then, the mysterious magician, Drosselmeyer sweeps her away on a magical adventure. After defeating the Mouse King, Clara and the nutcracker journey through the Land of Snow on a flying sleigh, through to the Kingdom of Sweets. Here, the Sugar Plum Fairy serves up an astounding display of dances, her own included. In the end, Clara is convinced it was just a dream, but was it?
While the ballet is free of theology, it still celebrates the festivities that many families – regardless of religion – relate to this time of the year. It offers a magical world of children, presents, toys, Christmas trees, lights, snowflakes and candy. All that to the beautiful music of Tchaikovsky. It’s an inclusive ballet, accessible to anyone who enjoys watching pirouettes and pa de chats.
Ultimately, the Nutcracker is an eternal Christmas fantasy that comes to life on stage year on year and this year, Joburg Ballet is once again pulling out all the stops.
Join the local ballet company and its dancers on a journey through a magical land of dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers and beautiful Sugar Plum fairies. The ballet is entrenched with festive spirit and it is undoubtedly a summer must-watch.
Angela Malan says: “The captivating music by Tchaikovsky and beautiful sets, costumes and lighting make The Nutcracker an unforgettable treat for children and adults alike. I want this production to showcase all the wonder and magic of The Nutcracker and to capture the timelessness of the great classical ballet tradition.”
The Nutcracker opens at the Teatro at Montecasino on Friday, 1 December with 10 additional performances right through to Sunday, 10 December. Tickets are available here and cost between R110 and R450.
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