Ballet classic infused with local flavour
BRAAMFONTEIN - ONE OF the world's best-loved ballets will be infused with proudly South African flavour by Joburg Ballet in September.
The Nutcracker Re-Imagined, together with the company’s first staging of La Bayadère, comprise the company’s spring season and their first “double season”.
With enchanting music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, staging by choreographer Adèle Blank, and sets by Andrew Botha, The Nutcracker Re-Imagined brims with entertainment, theatrical pizzazz, and circus tricks designed for the ballet by SircuSynergy.
“To give [this production] its unique flavour, the ballet sparkles with touches as South African as cool watermelon on a hot summer afternoon,” said ballet spokesperson Lindsay McDonald.
Photo: Susanne Holbaek
“Iconic South African settings and symbols, from sangomas to rock paintings to gumboots to koeksisters, strelitzias and baobab trees, place a local-is-lekker imprint on a ballet traditionally identified with such un-South African symbols as a snowy northern Christmas and nutcrackers shaped like imperial toy soldiers.”
The double season is not the only thing the company is excited about, however.
A special new booking package has been designed to give audiences a wider range and enhanced value for money.
The Ballet Combo allows ticket buys to benefit from a 20 percent discount when booking for The Nutcracker Re-Imagined and La Bayadère at the same time.
“With our range of special offers and ticket discounts, [we] are striving to make it possible for more people to experience the magic and beauty of ballet, and to allow ballet to become a family-friendly and inclusive outing in Gauteng,” said company CEO Dirk Badenhorst.
Photo: Susanne Holbaek
Discounts are also available for block bookings, pensioners, friends of the ballet members, children between the ages of four and seven, and Edgars Club members.
A special discounted performance for schools will take place on 16 September, and half-price night will take place on 19 September.
The Nutcracker Re-Imagined will run from 19 until 27 September at Joburg Theatre, corner of Simmonds and Stiemens streets, Braamfontein.
Details: www.joburgtheatre.com; www.joburgballet.com; 0861 670 670.
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