Review: Nutcracker in Havana
Review: Nutcracker in Havana
With video projections whisking you to the streets of Cuba, we’re straight into this Latin twist on the Christmas classic. And Carlos Acosta and his Acosta Danza do a fine job of blending traditional elements of the much-loved ballet with fresh new ideas. There’s a mix of dance styles, and Tchaikovsky’s score is also given a total overhaul. It’s utterly joyful.
Rather than the usual formal Christmas Eve scene, we are welcomed into the festivities Cuban-style, with a family gathering. It’s multi-generational: grey-haired grandparents mingle with the kids, and the intimate staging draws you in. We’re not observing from a distance, we are part of the celebrations.
Drosselmeyer brings the children a nutcracker. The doll gets broken. Clara later checks on the doll and is transported into a magical reverie. There are sweets, and dancers from far away lands. A stylised martial arts scene works brilliantly, and the Arabian dance is breath-taking.
Nutcracker in Havana is playful, visually stunning and will do much to welcome in a new audience to the world of ballet.
READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH CARLOS ACOSTA
Photo: LtoR Enrique Corrales, Alexander Varona, Patricia Torres (Centre) with Ensemble in Nutcracker in Havana, Credit John Persson
At Richmond Theatre 26+27 November and touring.
