The Nutcracker is a ballet story based on a fairy tale by E.T.A Hoffman that was established in 1891. Over the generations the ballet has been acted on numerous occasions mainly in the holidays, portraying its importance in the world of theatre and arts. The overall theme encompasses on the need of, overcoming the fear of darkness all in a bid to find the light and courage. It highlights the need to believe in oneself portraying that there is no limit to success and growth, an entity that is broken could be easily fixed.
The ballet occurs on Christmas Eve with the setting being a home decorated for Christmas with friends and family sharing merry and having a good time. The toymaker arrives offering toys to all the children. The children are delighted and happy, however, they are envious of the best toy which is the Nutcracker. The jealousy and envy force the children to fight over it eventually leading to its destruction into many pieces. On seeing the destruction, the toymaker fixes the toy with a handkerchief and puts it under the Christmas tree. As is the norm in any party, friends depart and the rest head out to bed. Clara, a young girl, wakes up at midnight and discovers mice going through and destroying the Christmas presents. The mouse king is interested in the Nutcracker and overpowers it, Clara goes ahead and retrieves the nutcracker from the King, leading to an escape of the mice. The epitome of the story in act one involves the magician trying to free his nephew from the curse that turned him into the Nutcracker. The magician uses Clara to advance his quest of saving his nephew from the curse.
The costumes in the ballet are more of traditional, depicting the time period in which the ballet was initially presented. They are plain, simply elegant and colorful thus portraying the very best of clothing that was worn during that time period. This suggests that life was simpler and well off at that time, where success was abundant and people enjoyed themselves. The colorful costumes may also depict a happier time full of joy and happiness. The costumes are also conservative showing the culture of the time and conservative nature of the people
The set is based on a normal Christmas theme, with a humongous Christmas tree erected and numerous presents under the tree, of all sizes and shapes. There are children excited about the presents and family and friends sharing a good time. The sets are theatrical mimic a realistic Christmas party and this helps drive an aspect of the main theme.
Music is used to portray the moods of the character and to drive a point. Firstly, the music is traditional portraying the time period the ballet was set. The opening contains a soft and rhythmical tune to begin the ballet. As the children head to receive their gifts, a March music is played portraying anticipation and excitement. When the magician appears the music is mysteriously showing the character of the magician, however the music changes to a dark and disturbing tune portraying a sinister agenda of the magician. Brass instruments are used to create a dramatic illusion. During the party, the dance movements are melodious and joyous signifying that the characters are enjoying themselves. At the end of the party, the music tone is lowered signifying the end of the party and beginning of the attack by the mice. The dance movements are reduced, cautious and slower signifying the fear of the unknown.
The Nutcracker drives its point home in a musical format employing dance, visual illusions and symbolism. The incorporation of color and music with various changing themes and sceneries keeps the audience on their toes and amplifies all the senses keeping everyone engrossed an, excited and attentive.
References
Jowitt, D. (2016). About That Nutcracker. DanceBeat.
Tchaikovsky research. (N.d.). The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky Research.
Nutcracker 2016 Act One, Published by Shelley Garner 10 Jan 2017 retrieved 16 Aug 2017 from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW5nbgMlwys
