The Nutcracker is a Classical Ballet written by the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in the 19th century. The story of the Nutcracker is loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffmannfantasy story the Nutcracker and the Mouse King. The Nutcracker is a Classical Ballet written by the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in the 19th century. The story of the Nutcracker is loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffmann fantasy story the Nutcracker and the Mouse King. This work, along with Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, which are known as "the three brightest diamonds in ballet crown” has become a worldwide sensation. The Nutcracker takes the dream of the little girl Clara as the main line of the story. Because of all the complete and tortuous plots, vivid and loving characters, abundant and peculiar fantasy, skilled and various expressions, the Nutcracker opens the door to fairy tales with its supernatural romantic elements and rich fantasies. These unique features make the Nutcracker a remarkable work that responds to the call of humanity and meets the people’s expectations about what fantasy should be.

 

This year, Guangzhou Ballet of China has invited Mr. Liu Bingxian, famous choreographer of South Korea, to remake this classic masterpiece with his international perspective.

On the evening of December 23rd, new version of the Nutcracker will debut in Guangzhou Grand Theatre. On the basis of respecting the original work, the new Nutcracker will subvert the traditional visual cognition of ballet. All the new changes such as the use of contemporary landmark-Guangzhou tower for stage setting, the use of Modern Ballet elements to break the boundary of Classical Ballet will appear in the new work. These changes have given the new Nutcracker a distinct modern aesthetic consciousness and a new artistic form, creating a closer and more mysterious fantasy world than fairy tales for all the audience.

 

Synopsis
ActⅠ SCENEⅠ| A snowy Christmas Eve
In the 21st century, there is one evening in Central Business District of Guangzhou where the Guangzhou tower stands beside the Pearl River. With lights flickering, guests are hurrying to a Christmas party held in the home of Mr. Silberhaus. Everyone is all dressed up and carrying exquisitely-wrapped gifts. Drosselmeyer, the Godfather to Silberhaus’s daughter Clara, is also on his way. At tonight's party, he will perform his elaborate doll magic trick for everyone.

 

ActⅠ SCENEⅡ | Silberhaus’ Living Room
The living room is full of gifts prepared for the guests. In the middle of the room stands a sparkling crystal Christmas tree, which attracts everyone's attention. Surrounded by the thrilled Children, the Godfather, Drosselmeyer, takes out all kinds of lovely dolls and make them perform for the children under his magic trick. In the end, Drosselmeyer takes out a Nutcracker with a strange face and huge teeth. None of the children are attracted to the Nutcracker. However, kindhearted Clara comes over and asks Drosselmeyer to give her the doll. Drosselmeyer agrees with a good grace. Affectionately hugging the doll that was rejected by everyone else, Clara begins to dance with the doll... As the Christmas clock strikes the midnight, the guests bid farewell to the host. Clara goes off to her bedroom. She falls asleep with the Nutcracker holding in her arms.

 

Act Ⅰ SCENE Ⅲ | Clara’s Bedroom
Clara is awakened by a strange noise outside the door. The room seems to have changed. All the objects lose their original appearance. A large group of mice are destroying the crystal tree and the wall of gifts around it. At that moment, a sound of a trumpet sounds forth in the distance, then all the dolls in Clara's room are alive. The Nutcracker leads the other dolls to fight against the mice army. With the help of Clara, the Nutcracker vanquishes the dreaded rat in the nick of time. Then, godfather Drosselmeyer appears. Using his magic power, Drosselmeyer turns the Nutcracker into a handsome Prince and gives Clara his wand. Afterwards, an intriguing journey begins.

ActⅠ SCENE Ⅳ | the Land of Snowflakes
It is a world of crystal clear. The Snow Queen dances with the snow fairies to welcome Clara and the Prince. As they finish their dance, they escort Clara to a sleigh. After expressing their sincere thanks to the Snow Queen, they journey onto the further lands.

 

ActⅡ SCENEⅠ| A Wonderful Journey
All of a sudden, a burst of chilly wind is blowing over. It turns out that the mice are fighting back. This time, they send bats to catch Clara and the Prince. But they all end up dead with Prince’s sword.

 

ActⅡ SCENEⅡ | Land of Sweets
Under the direction of godfather Drosselmeyer, Clara and the Prince finally come to a luxurious palace, the Land of Sweets, which is made of all kinds of desserts. In this sweet and dreamy world, chocolate, jellybeans, cream and other elves, as well as Spanish dolls, Russian dolls, Arab dolls, Chinese dolls, and so on, present a performance one after another…Inspired by the Waltz of flowers, Clara gives a splendid performance with the Prince, immersing themselves in the atmosphere of feast and joy.

 

Act Ⅱ  SCENE Ⅲ | Clara’s Bedroom
As the sun rises, Clara awakens and finds herself still holding her beloved Nutcracker. It turns out that this fantastic doll journey is just her dream...

 

Guangzhou Ballet of China
Established in 1993, Guangzhou Ballet of China is one of the most outstanding artistic performing organizations in China. It is world-renowned for presenting the most rigorous, standard and passionate performing style.

Guangzhou Ballet of China has a unique artistic style and a variety of repertoire. Apart from introducing world-famous classical ballets and performing outstanding works by well-known contemporary choreographers and directors, the ballet has also dedicated itself to the inheritance and promotion of China's outstanding traditional culture by creating, choreographing and performing a series of original ballets such as Return on a Snowy Night, Chen Tiejun, Carmina Burana and so on. The ballet has a repertoire of 20 large-scale dance operas and more than 100 small and medium-sized programs.

Winner of 53 international awards, 61 national awards and 106 other domestic competitions and artistic activities awards, Guangzhou Ballet of China has won the supreme reputation among numerous famous artistic performing organizations in China. Among all the awards, the original ballet Return on A Snowy Night has won the 13rd “Wenhua Award for Best Production” and all the individual awards.

Guangzhou Ballet of China has been playing a leading role in expanding the bridge between different cultures, joining significant cultural events and enriching people’s spiritual attainment. It has toured more than 30 countries and regions, including Russia, the United Kingdom, the U.S., Canada, France, Australia, and Germany and so on. Their performance was highly rated by the audiences and the media.

In 2018, Guangzhou Ballet of China officially joined the Silk Road International Theater Alliance and jointly developed a new platform for the performance industry in domestic and overseas, together with the CPAA Theatres. In August 2019, Guangzhou Ballet of China performed Goddess of the Luo River and Carmina Burana at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York. The famous Guangzhou Ballet of China treated New York audiences to two original ballet performances over the weekend, which also won high praise between the audiences and the media. Guangzhou Ballet of China has become one of the most superior artistic performing organizations in China and also a representative to spread Chinese culture.