SHEILA CHISHOLM chats to Veronica Paeper (pictured left) about her upcoming ballet The Nutcracker at Artscape:
Veronica Paeper has, since 1972, choreographed more than 16 full length ballets and over twenty shorter works. A record by any standard and a rarity – dare it be said – among female classical ballet choreographers.
And, as a first, Paeper is presently introducing sections from Pamela Chrimes’s Nutcracker Act 1 with her own choreography for Cape Town City Ballet’s festive season at Artscape from 7 to 23 December 2022.
When asked why she is reproducing parts from Pamela’s Nutcracker when she is writing her own, she replied: “Simple. I have never seen a better first act than Pamela’s. The Nutcracker is, as you know, a fantasy for children, invited to Dr Stalbaum’s elegant 19th century German home for a Christmas Eve party. Among the guests is mysterious Dr Drosselmeyer. He’s frequently portrayed as a sinister, black-patch-eyed, dark character, but not our Dr Drosselmeyer. He’s a spreader of Christmas goodwill bringing dolls for Clara and her friends. To Fritz, Clara’s boisterous brother, and his friends, Drosselmeyer hands out noisy trumpets. Then, an abracadabra, and he introduces miniature dancing angels and toy soldiers. Those delightful dances epitomise Pamela’s choreographic talent for children.”
What makes those special?
“Pamela was a tough task master. Her choreography stretches tiny tots’ acting and dancing abilities. Pamela made them believe magic really exists. I have clear memory of Pamela’s choreography, but am very grateful Roxy Levy, my repetiteur, is present guiding them to produce their technical best mixed in with that sense of wonder Pamela inspired.
With three casts totalling 120 children, Roxy’s job is cut out. But they are responding splendidly, and are sure to look utterly charming wearing Peter Cazalet’s beautiful costumes,” says Paeper.
The Nutcracker the Mouse King
Set to Tchaikovsky’s gloriously expressive programmatic score The Nutcracker is based on ETA Hoffman’s The Nutcracker and The Mouse King. So can we expect a right royal battle between the Mouse King and the Nutcracker Prince? “Indeed. That is as much part of the ballet’s tradition as are Clara’s visits to the enchanted Land of Snow, Land of Treats and the Sugar Plum Fairy. These acts, based on the style of the late David Poole’s version, are my choreography,” says Paeper.
What else is in store for audiences?
“To tell you would to be to eliminate many surprises. But I’ll whisper in your ear that Clara remains a child throughout. I’ve added Icicles to Snowdrops and Snow Flakes in the Land of Snow; at CTCB CEO Debbie Turner’s suggestion I’ve conjured the time-honoured Land of Sweets into the Land of Treats. Our special guest Marcel Meyer is taking on the role of Dr Drosselmeyer. And at selected performances Brandon Phillips conducts the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.”
All together that sounds like a happy visit to the land of make believe.
What: The Nutcracker
Where and when: Artscape from 7 to 23 December 2022
The Nutcracker tickets: Computicket
WS
