Acosta Danza dancers at the Cuba National Ballet school. Picture: Eduardo Lara
Internationally renowned dance star Carlos Acosta will choreograph and direct a Cuban-flavoured re-imagining of The Nutcracker later this year.
Presented by Norwich Theatre and Valid Productions, Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana will bring the Christmas classic to the UK stage accompanied by a newly-commissioned version of Tchaikovsky’s much-loved score.
The production will open at Norwich Theatre Royal from 1-3 November 2024 before embarking on a UK tour which will include a week-long run at London’s Southbank Centre from 10-15 December.
Featuring over 20 dancers from Acosta’s Cuban company Acosta Danza, the traditional story is brought to life with ballet at its core but in Acosta’s unique style, with the dance traditions of Cuba fused and woven throughout the production.
Employing spectacular video projection and set design by Nina Dunn (9 to 5 Musical, Bonnie and Clyde, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Don Quixote), Cuba will collide with the Land of Sweets, bringing snow to Havana in a visually stunning spectacular treat for all.
Commenting on the production, Acosta said: “I am so excited to be bringing Acosta Danza to the Nutcracker. My generation in Cuba grew up without the spirit of Christmas and with this show I can combine the joy of the Nutcracker with the vibrant Havana culture. I cannot wait to take audiences from the humble settings of Clara’s home through to the beautiful dream sequences passing through the grand and vibrant Havana ballrooms of the 1940s and 50s.
“I have always taken pride in re-creating some of the most iconic and loved ballet titles, from Carmen through to Don Quixote. Infusing the colour, feel and vibrancy of Havana with the tradition and beauty of Nutcracker is a real highlight for my career.”
Stephen Crocker, the chief executive and creative director of Norwich Theatre added: “Norwich Theatre is delighted to be working with Carlos Acosta, Acosta Danza and Valid Productions once again, following the success of our partnership in reviving Carlos’ solo show, On Before, which continues to tour in the UK and internationally. This is the next major step in Norwich Theatre’s evolution as an originator of new work and creative force bringing the world to Norwich and Norfolk and taking Norwich and Norfolk to the world.
“The whole creative team and I are so inspired by Carlos’ vision for a fresh and different Cuban telling of this much-loved tale. I hope that Nutcracker in Havana will both capture the imagination of dance lovers and also bring new audiences to dance. I am proud that we are creating a Nutcracker able to tour to the widest range of venues and to towns and cities not regularly receiving dance of this scale and quality.”
Nutcracker in Havana will feature costume design by Angelo Alberto, compositions and arrangements by Pepe Gavilondo Peón and set and lighting design by Andrew Exeter.
Following Norwich, the production will visit Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre, Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre, Richmond Theatre, Woking’s New Victoria Theatre, Milton Keynes Theatre and The Lowry in Salford. Further venues will be confirmed at a later date.
Angela Thomas
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