“The Nutcracker” is on its way to rekindle the innocence of childhood, as Christmas draws near.
The classical ballet is based on the story of Germany-born E.T.A. Hoffmann’s “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.” The tale begins on Christmas Eve when a young Marie receives a decorative fairytale nutcracker as a Christmas gift. She goes to bed with the toy and in her dreams the nutcracker comes to life, turning into a prince. The pair set off on a journey to a magical kingdom decorated with crackers and populated with a variety of dolls.
The ballet version of the story has been a steady seller, as it is perennially staged at this time of year around the Christmas season.
This year, the Korean National Ballet and Universal Ballet are currently putting on their own productions of the loved ballet.
A scene from the Korean National Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker.’ The nutcracker itself is portrayed by a young dancer (bottom), instead of a wooden toy, who takes a ridiculous pose with stiffened limbs, all while sporting a farcical facial expression.
The Korean National Ballet will follow the choreography by Yuri Grigorovich who led the Bolshoi Theater for 33 years. In the upcoming production, the little girl Clara took on the name of Marie, as in the original. There will be some twists with the occupations of the girl’s father and godfather, Drosselmeyer. Her father is portrayed as a doctor and Drosselmeyer as a lawyer.
The Korea Symphony Orchestra will entertain the ears of the audience, adding even more spectacles, as it will perform the well-known classical music pieces and Christmas carols.
The show will run until Dec. 27 at the Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul.
Scenes from Universal Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker.’
Universal Ballet will also bring to life the nutcracker’s story, as it brings to the stage choreography from Russia’s Mariinsky Ballet Company from 1934. While trying to stick to the classical choreography, the stage setting and composition features much more splendor. For example, in the scene in which Drosselmeyer casts a spell over the nutcracker, a real magic show will unfold in front of the audience’s wowed eyes.
The final scene of Act I has snowflakes falling down from above, while in the middle of Act II, male and female dancers dance in groups.
Universal Ballet’s performances will continue at the Universal Arts Center until Dec. 31, except for Monday, Dec. 28.
By Sohn JiAe
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: the Korean National Ballet and Universal Ballet
jiae5853@korea.kr
The Korean National Ballet stages ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Seoul Arts Center until Dec. 27.
The official poster for Universal Ballet’s ‘The Nutcracker’ production. The show will continue at the Universal Arts Center until Dec. 31.
