One of Canada's most cherished holiday traditions is undergoing a spectacular transformation this season. The Alberta Ballet is set to raise the curtain on a completely rebuilt production of The Nutcracker, running from December 3rd to 7th at Edmonton's Northern Jubilee Auditorium.
A Vision Reborn from the Ground Up
Under the artistic direction of Francesco Ventriglia, this classic Christmas ballet has been stripped down to its foundations and reinvented. Ventriglia, who has a deep personal history with the production having performed in it from childhood through his adult career, has seized this opportunity to imprint his own vibrant vision onto the timeless tale.
"I completely rechoreographed the entire ballet, from the first to the last step," Ventriglia states, emphasizing the scale of this renewal. The overhaul is comprehensive, touching every element from the dance movements and costumes to the very sets the performers dance upon.
Elegant Designs and Playful Innovations
The new production draws aesthetic inspiration from the Art Nouveau period, coinciding with the era when Pyotr Tchaikovsky composed the ballet's iconic score. The elegant costumes, designed by Gianluca Falaschi, are being handmade in Rome. For the sets, the company embraced modern technology, having key pieces 3D printed in Germany, while other elements like Drosselmeyer's workshop and the castle were constructed in-house by the ballet's own team.
Ventriglia aimed to create a production that is both fun and sophisticated. "It's such a beautiful music score, and I wanted to do something fun and colourful, as The Nutcracker is meant to be, but equally something that is elegant and sophisticated," he explains. This philosophy extends to a key scene often watched by children: the battle between the soldiers and the mice. Moving away from traditional rifles, Ventriglia's version will feature whimsical toy weapons, including cannons that erupt with confetti, better aligning with the story's magical nature.
Celebrating Culture and Tradition
This new staging also marks a significant narrative shift. In 2022, a previous update by choreographer Edmund Stripe replaced the traditional suite of international dances with confectionery-themed characters to avoid cultural stereotyping. Ventriglia, hailing from Italy, offers a different perspective and has reintroduced the international dances to the production.
He frames this decision as an act of inclusion and celebration. "Instead of talking about cultural appropriation, we need to talk about cultural celebration," Ventriglia asserts. "We need to celebrate the fact that lots of different cultures are getting together, to celebrate each other and appreciate each other in a community that is inclusive. This is beautiful. Why do we need to get rid of it?"
This bold reimagining promises to deliver a fresh and enchanting experience for loyal audiences and new patrons alike, honouring the spirit of the original while infusing it with a new, dynamic energy for the Edmonton stage.
