The Nutcracker in Cape Town, then Joburg
Mzansi Productions is bringing its production of The Nutcracker, complete with South Africanisms, to the Mother City from 2 to 7 November at the Baxter Theatre. From there it will go to Joburg between 26 November and 6 December 2009.
When the ballet premièred as the company's first full-length work in Joburg last year, it was met with critical acclaim. Set to the much loved Tchaikovsky score, this proudly South African production is based on the original concept by Adèle Blank and David Gouldie, both of whom were nominated for the 2008 Gauteng MEC Awards for best new choreography for their work on this production.
Mzansi Productions consists of dancers drawn from the professional ballet and dance world, skilled in all the important dance genres and able to perform in classical, neoclassical and modern works. Cape Town audiences can look forward to seeing an outstanding cast that includes Kitty Phetla, Craig Arnolds, Capetonians Yarisha Singh and Gisela Iles, and former Cape Town City Ballet soloist Reika Sato, as well as a number of young dancers from several ballet studios in and around Cape Town, who will appear as the children in the show.
Creative South Africanisms
The sets are designed by Andrew Botha and add to the illusion and wonderment that is typically associated with The Nutcracker. With "South Africanisms" worked into both the choreography and the creative aspect, the ballet is completely unique, yet retains the traditional elements that audiences have come to expect from The Nutcracker.
Performances at the Baxter Theatre run from 4 to 6 November at 8pm and on 7 November at 2pm and 8pm. Tickets cost from R75 to R170 with special discounts for groups and schools. Following the Cape Town performances, the production will be staged at the Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg from 26 November to 6 December 2009.
Booking is via Computicket. For more information call Leon on +27 (0)11 482 3727.
