As Christmas approaches, the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Albania brings a typical work for the last days of the year to art enthusiasts. The enchanting atmosphere of fairy tales, dreams, and warmth that the holidays bring is conveyed through Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker”.
After four successful nights of the opera “Carmen” (December 8, 9, 10, 11), the stage of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet will be dedicated to “The Nutcracker”. This ballet has been staged before, but according to the Theater, this month it comes as a new production. The available dates for this ballet are December 22, 23, and 24.
The two-act ballet is based on the story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” by E.T.A. Hoffmann, with a libretto by Marius Petipa. Initially commissioned by the director of the Moscow Theater, “The Nutcracker” quickly became one of the most popular works staged in various theaters worldwide.
The story of “The Nutcracker” revolves around a young lady named Clara, who shrinks to the size of a mouse, and her beloved Nutcracker goes to battle alongside other toys against the evil Mouse King. Later, he transforms into a handsome prince, and they together journey to the kingdom of sugar fairies (Confiturembourg) to reign forever.
This ballet has been interpreted and adapted in dozens of film, theatrical, and television productions. Among the most famous actors who have portrayed “The Nutcracker” are Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, and Helen Mirren.
