The Nutcracker
Ashley Page’s adaptation of The Nutcracker is the essence of Christmas dreams and nightmares.
As the curtain rises we are perhaps surprised by the initial scene of a glimpse into a young girl’s brain, surely not what one would expect from the opening scenes of a Christmas ballet. However, the following scene delights us with a visual display of glittering costumes & festive excitement so much so that it is difficult to know where to look. Stunning costumes set against a mix of unusual scenery, quirky props and sometimes downright frightening masks continues to be a theme which runs throughout the production.
Although the fundamentals of ‘The Nutcracker’ remain; a soldier doll springing to life sets the scene for a young girl’s coming of age, it is at times disconcerting with its underlying Freudian content, which may be above the heads of a younger audience who are perhaps experiencing their first trip to the ballet as a Christmas treat. Although not a thing the audience need dwell on as they are enraptured by the expertise of the dancers in a flurry of twenties style beaded ensembles & striking floor length feather coats. Exquisite point work was delivered by an array of divine scarlet poppies and dazzling mischievous snowflakes.
In Act 2 Eve Mutso led the Arabian group in a scintillating & complex piece keeping the audience mesmerized with its intricacy. The Choreography was breathtaking in parts, perfectly executed by Erik Cavallari & Claire Robertson in the grand pas de duex with enchanting classicism.
The Scottish Ballet have created an unusual albeit fantastical version of this Christmassy tale, which is a must for your festive calendar.
The Nutcracker is touring Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen and Newcastle until February 2010.
(Photos from the Scottish Ballet website)
