January 21, 2008
Just like a belated present hidden underneath the Christmas tree this fairy tale ballet delights all ages with a series of Tchaikovsky classics conducted by Mihai Amihalachioaie. The full-strength orchestra sounds shimmering notes from bassoons to piccolos complementing the precise pointe work performed by members of the Chisinau National Ballet. The Nutcracker ballet is adapted from one of E. T. A. Hoffmann’s mildly dark tales. Yuri Grigorovich directs this version derived from the performance originally staged by the Bolshoi in 1966. This is a version for purists as strong delivery of the choreography is backed by a traditional set. A giant Christmas tree is literally pulled up from the floor to decorate the family home of the central character, Marie, performed magnificently by Kristina Terentieva. Godfather to Marie and her brother Fritz (Veronika Gheorghiu) is Herr Drosselmeyer (Igor Gherchiu) who seems to have forgotten a Christmas present for Marie after showing his collection of wind-up dolls to the amusement of family friends gathered in Marie’s home for a holiday celebration. Whilst the Harlequin Doll (Alexandr Balan) and the Columbine Doll (Natalia Korotkova) fascinate with perfect doll-like movements set to the rasp of orchestral percussion, Marie is in tears when she discovers she has no present. The glee and adoration of Drosselmeyer’s appreciative crowd has palpable volume as do Marie’s tears yet the dancers speak only through actions. The company excel at delivering the story at a fast pace whilst maintaining their the rigid constraints of classical dance.
Drosselmeyer pulls out the chilli red coloured Nutcracker Doll at the very last minute to surprise Marie. Such is the unique curiosity of this character, intelligently performed by Kristina Surucheanu, brother Fritz is jealous of Marie’s gift and damages it. Amidst the commotion bedtime beckons and a snow storm is faced by the revelers returning home from the house party. The snow falling is projected onto a gauze screen and white flakes adorn the dancers’ costumes as they trudge home. The genius of this ballet is the dream that now begins as the conflict of Marie’s evening enters into her subconscious in a style that is true to life. The evening is repeated inside her sleeping head as the dancing dolls now become more extreme and a sinister element enters as the Mouse King (Titus Popescu) who attacks her cherished Nutcracker toy. Marie steps into her dream and shoos the Mouse King away, saving the Nutcracker who emerges as her Prince, dressed in stunning regal red, who she then marries. In a crystal encrusted white tutu she performs the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the sweet sound of the celesta and duets with Prince Nutcracker (Alexei Terentiev) who holds her so high she appears to float. The Corps de Ballet move like whipped cream through this sequence resplendent in pale pastel blue costumes. Morning speeds Marie away from her Prince in a moment that catches her gazing at the embodiment of a dream husband. She awakes to find her parents and Drosselmeyer standing at the foot of the giant Christmas tree with the Nutcracker toy. This is all her heart desires, for now at least. This show, presented by Ellen Kent and Ballet International is as exquisite, delicate and beautiful as a cut glass bauble.
Drosselmeyer pulls out the chilli red coloured Nutcracker Doll at the very last minute to surprise Marie. Such is the unique curiosity of this character, intelligently performed by Kristina Surucheanu, brother Fritz is jealous of Marie’s gift and damages it. Amidst the commotion bedtime beckons and a snow storm is faced by the revelers returning home from the house party. The snow falling is projected onto a gauze screen and white flakes adorn the dancers’ costumes as they trudge home. The genius of this ballet is the dream that now begins as the conflict of Marie’s evening enters into her subconscious in a style that is true to life. The evening is repeated inside her sleeping head as the dancing dolls now become more extreme and a sinister element enters as the Mouse King (Titus Popescu) who attacks her cherished Nutcracker toy. Marie steps into her dream and shoos the Mouse King away, saving the Nutcracker who emerges as her Prince, dressed in stunning regal red, who she then marries. In a crystal encrusted white tutu she performs the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the sweet sound of the celesta and duets with Prince Nutcracker (Alexei Terentiev) who holds her so high she appears to float. The Corps de Ballet move like whipped cream through this sequence resplendent in pale pastel blue costumes. Morning speeds Marie away from her Prince in a moment that catches her gazing at the embodiment of a dream husband. She awakes to find her parents and Drosselmeyer standing at the foot of the giant Christmas tree with the Nutcracker toy. This is all her heart desires, for now at least. This show, presented by Ellen Kent and Ballet International is as exquisite, delicate and beautiful as a cut glass bauble.