Hong Kong Cultural Center, Tsim Sha Tsui | A winter adventure with endless fun! Hong Kong Ballet: Henderson Land proudly presents "The Nutcracker"

Description

In December this year, the award-winning "The Nutcracker" will be staged again. Adapted by the Hong Kong Ballet's (HKB) artistic director Septime Webre and set against the background of Hong Kong in the early 20th century, it will embark on a winter adventure with endless fun for the Hong Kong audience! This Christmas must-see program will be performed for 22 times at the Grand Theater of the Hong Kong Cultural Center from December 13 to 29. It is proudly presented by Henderson Land Development. Some performances will be conducted by Yip Wing-sie and Vivian Ip, and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta will perform Chai Ke live. The most popular and timeless piece of music by Vysky.

Tickets are now on sale at the City Ticketing Network, with limited family ticket discounts: purchase 1 student ticket and 2 regular-priced tickets, and get a 20% discount on regular-priced tickets; purchase 1 senior citizen ticket and 1-4 regular-priced tickets Priced tickets, 20% off regular priced tickets.

Award-winning dance drama

On December 2, HKB was awarded the Cultural Contribution Award at the 12th "Hong Kong Spirit Awards". The award was co-organized by the South China Morning Post and Sino Group to recognize the contributions of unsung heroes who have made Hong Kong continue to progress. The jury Said: "Hong Kong Ballet's new interpretation of "The Nutcracker" skillfully blends the characteristics of Hong Kong in the early 20th century with fantasy elements...while uniting the community through dance." The dance drama also received a UNESCO award The "Star of Excellence" award at the Global World Heritage Education Innovation Case Awards in 2024, and the "Outstanding Choreography" and "Outstanding Stage and Costume Design" at the Hong Kong Dance Annual Awards 2022.

"Tutu Academy" collaborates with "Nutcracker" animation

This year, illustrator Don Mak used the HKB 45th anniversary short film "Tutu Academy" and "The Nutcracker" as inspiration to create a fusion of Kom Tong Hall, Cheung Chau Bun Scrambling, and Hong Kong's traditional flower plaque craftsmanship. paintings. The illustration tells the story of when a curious alien from the "Tutu Academy" met the protagonist Carrie and her friends in "The Nutcracker". He learned how to communicate through dance and discovered that they had a lot in common. The hovering UFOs and the colorful Bun add a playful touch to the two works to celebrate the festive season.

Hong Kong’s annual classic 55 sold-out performances

From 2021 to 2023, "The Nutcracker" will be performed a total of 55 times, attracting more than 75,000 local audiences and tourists. At the joyful Christmas Eve party, the protagonist Carrie received an exquisite Nutcracker doll as a Christmas gift. The Nutcracker later transformed into a prince and took Carrie and her brother Fisher to travel through the fantasy world. Interesting characters and familiar scenes were connected one after another. Appearance: Fight fiercely with the Rat King's army, which is inspired by Hong Kong pirate Cheung Po Tsai, make friends from all over the world, and encounter the colorful Hong Kong wildlife such as peacocks, cockatoos, redbuds, and more.

240 sets of dazzling costumes made entirely by hand

"The Nutcracker", produced by Septime Webre and his team, combines ballet classics with Hong Kong's historical customs and pays homage to local culture. You can have a panoramic view of the lion dance, rickshaws, Cheung Chau Bun Scrambling, shadow puppet show, White Snake and Scholar, delicious snacks, etc. Famous designers Briela Tiresova and Ou Yugang created more than five magnificent sets, such as Kamp Tong House, the former Kowloon-Canton Railway clock tower, bamboo forest, etc., to present Hong Kong's annual festive performance event , and together with executive costume designer Joanne Chong, carefully designed as many as 240 sets of costumes for more than 300 characters in the play, showing snowflakes, flowers and vivid animal shapes, such as peacocks, cockatoos, and redbuds.

The work incorporates elements of Hong Kong characteristics into the ballet, demonstrating the diversity of Hong Kong culture on the stage. It is highly artistic and creative, has the significance of cross-cultural cooperation, and strengthens connections with the community. More than 258 children's dancers participate in the performance, with about 86 children in each performance, playing whimsical roles such as small animals and snacks. The dance drama combines the festive atmosphere with thrilling adventure stories, and the crazy fantasy and Hong Kong's local culture collide to create a series of stage spectacles, allowing the audience to celebrate the festival and leave with a lot of fun!

Creative Team

Choreography: Septime Webre

Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Set & Costume Design: Gabriela TylesovaAssociate Set & Costume Designer: Au Yu Kong
Associate Costume Designer: Joanne Chong

Lighting Design: Billy Chan

Dramaturge: Yan Pat To

Shadow Puppet Video Design: Lo Wing

Live Accompaniment: Hong Kong Sinfonietta

Conductors:

Yip Wing-sie (13-14,17-20,21,22 7:30pm; 15 8pm)

Vivian Ip (14,21,22,25,26 2:30pm; 15 3pm; 24-26 7:30pm)