The Nutcracker
ballet in two acts
music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker is considered a symbol of life’s magical transformations and constant renewal. The story of how a wooden doll became an enchanted prince, who, with the help of a kind and selfless girl named Masha, defeated the evil Mouse King, is not just a beautiful fairytale. It’s a story of time’s passing and how a carefree childhood gives way to the bright sorrow of youth and the dreams of love and harmony.
The Nutcracker, staged by Nacho Duato, constituted „the choreographer’s heartfelt farewell to Russia.“ Together with French stage designer Jérôme Kaplan, the Spanish choreographer „created an homage to the city that astounded him with its grandeur, its artists, and its audiences.“ The creators of the ballet chose to place the action in pre-revolutionary Russia, the Silver Age of Russian culture. After the premiere, critics noted that „Duato does not play with the classic, but tries in earnest to follow its style and strict canon,“ they admired the „free breathing plastique“ and the „bright discoveries“ of the choreographer who, in his work on the ballet, managed to harness „genuine inspiration.“
Act one
Christmas Eve. A family celebration is underway at the Stahlbaum house. Uncle Drosselmeyer has prepared wonderful Christmas presents for the children, but the main surprise awaits his goddaughter Masha: a Nutcracker. Masha is delighted with the gift. As night falls and the guests leave, Masha can’t bear to leave her Nutcracker alone: she takes it from under the tree and falls asleep holding it in her arms.
The clock strikes midnight. The toys come to life and the room is invaded by hordes of mice led by the Mouse King. The Nutcracker leads the toy soldiers into in battle with the mice. He defeats the Mouse King and the mice retreat, carrying away their lifeless leader. The Nutcracker transforms into a handsome prince and invites Masha to a magical land. They are greeted by dancing snowflakes.
Act two
The toys in the magical land celebrate their victory over the Mouse King. They perform dances from different countries. Masha and the prince are filled with joy. Masha knows that this is only a beautiful dream, but it will remain in her memory forever.
Premiere of the production: 12 December 2013
Libretto by Marius Petipa after the fairytale by E. T. A. Hoffmann revised by Nacho Duato
- ChoreographerNacho Duato
- Stage DesignerJérôme Kaplan
- Lighting DesignerBrad Fields
- Costume TechnologyAlla Marusina
- ÀChoreographer’s AssistantsTony Fabre, Gentian Doda
The performance features the Perezvony («Chimes») Choir of the Glinka Children’s School of Arts
The text in Act I is read by Nikolay Burov
