The Nutcracker, Sydney Opera House: Christmas performance returns after five years
One word that keeps coming to The Nutcracker’s artistic director David Hallberg’s mind – ‘magical’. See what is in store when it returns to the Sydney Opera House this Christmas.
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One word that keeps coming to The Nutcracker’s artistic director David Hallberg’s mind – ‘magical’.
“I think our job really is to make The Nutcracker as magical of an experience as it can be, because it’s such a magical ballet for everyone of all ages,” he told The Saturday Telegraph.
The magical performance is returning to the Sydney Opera House this Christmas, for the first time in five years in a limited run.
The production is close to home for Mr Hallberg, who was a part of a production of The Nutcracker when he was 10 years old, playing one of the young boys in Act I.
“I remember actually asking my mum, every night I’d call her up and ask her if I could stay and watch Act II, and I would watch it from the wings,” he said.
“I just remember standing in the wings and watching the dancers prepare to go on stage, and it was just this kind of magical atmosphere. Nutcracker will always stay with me.”
Sir Peter Wright created the production in 1990 based off the classical ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
The show follows young Clara who on Christmas Eve receives a nutcracker doll from her uncle, and magician, Drosselmeyer.
The doll and other toys soon come to life as Clara embarks on a fantasy journey through the lands of snow and sweets, encountering magical creatures, battles and musical scores along the way.
Mr Hallberg said the production remains the classic Nutcracker tale beloved by many, brought “bubbling to life” in 2024.
“It’s not a museum piece, it’s not dusty. For the role of every character on stage it’s important to add fresh energy and life into it, belief in the reactions of what’s happening on stage, the choreography, and belief in the work itself.
“When they leave the theatre, I want them to have transported into a different experience … bringing the beauty of ballet, of this art form, to those watching.
“Expect the magic of the most famous Christmas ballet.”
The Nutcracker will show at the Opera House from 30 November to 18 December.
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