THE NUTCRACKER. Classical Christmas ballet. Choreography after Viktor Vynonen. Additional choreography: Robin van Wyk, David Poole. Music: Tchaikovsky. Production: Elizabeth Triegaardt and Robin van Wyk. Presented by Cape Town City Ballet. At Artscape Theatre until 24 December, 2017.
SHEILA CHISHOLM reviews
Wherever a classical ballet company exists, their Christmas season repertoire is bound to include Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Sometimes it’s a very grand production. Sometimes it’s scaled to the level of Cape Town City Ballet’s latest mounting. However, whenever The Nutcracker is presented, Tchaikovsky’s romantic melodies, pretty Victorian-era costumes, E.T.A. Hoffmann’s magic-land story and choreography after Petipa is such a public favourite, the ballet guarantees a sell-out.
Such was the case for Saturday afternoon’s performance – a packed theatre with particularly well-behaved youngsters dressed in party finery. What a pleasure… not one rattling sweetie paper or cell phone distraction.
Essence of a gracious ballerina
Artscape Theatre stage is ideal for this smallish production. One in which, for a change, Young Clara, Older Clara and Sugar Plum Fairy are danced by the same dancer – Mariette Opperman. Slightly built, in the Christmas party scene her fresh joyousness made believe she was eight years old. In her Older Clara, without losing any gaiety, she added an element of maturity to her interpretation. And as the Sugar Plum Fairy she blossomed into the essence of a gracious ballerina.
Opperman, blessed with a warm personality, has a musicality which allows her to use her easy, flowing technique, beautiful port de bras, and well-balanced lines to best advantage. Her performance showcased why she recently received two coveted Balletomanes awards.
As Opperman’s Cavalier, Craig Pedro had a pleasing exuberance. But often lacking control, that energy threw him off balance – liking his dancing more akin to peasant than prince. Mervyn Williams is an exceptionally fine character actor. But this time round (possibly insufficient rehearsal), with too much wafting his cloak around, his Drosselmeyer failed to achieve any sense of magic or mystery.
Snowfalls are not weather conditions to which South Africans relate. Yet, as the female corps swirl around in glittering costumes, the picturesque Snow Scene brought delighted gasps. One point – as snow falls silently, so too should the corps land noiselessly in all steps of elevation.
Christmas fare
Partnered by Xola Putye, if Claire Spector’s Snow Queen didn’t quite exude the steely coldness expected, her serene elegance made up that lack.
The Nutcracker’s party scene is ideal for young would-be-ballet-dancers to perform alongside professional dancers. Without exception all 12 pointed toes, “placed” petit jetes, ran neatly, interacted and kept time. Next time Robin van Wyk should choreograph steps for party children and Mirlitons that stretches their technical abilities beyond spring points and waltzing.
Several new faces in the male corps did much toward making The Nutcracker pleasing Christmas fare.
What: The Nutcracker
Where: Artscape Theatre, Foreshore Cape Town
When: Until 24 December, 2017
Presented by: Cape Town City Ballet (CTCB)
Book tickets: www.computicket.com, 0861 915 8000
WS
