Acosta Danza – Nutcracker in Havana at The Lowry
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Blow away those January blues with Carlos Acosta’s explosive Cuban take on the festive ballet classic. Set to a tropical backdrop with a newly commissioned Latin-infused reworking of Tchaikovsky’s score, Nutcracker in Havana brings the warmth of Cuba to The Lowry this winter.
Featuring new choreography by Carlos Acosta CBE, Nutcracker in Havana will be performed by 20 exceptional dancers from his Cuban company, Acosta Danza. With a new musical arrangement by composer Pepe Gavilondo, the timeless story is given a Latin makeover when the action shifts from a snowy town in Germany to the sunny climes of Cuba.
The story opens as Clara prepares to celebrate Christmas with her family in their humble home in Havana. However, when Clara is gifted a Nutcracker doll, the tale takes a fantastical turn and Clara embarks on the adventure of a lifetime – to defeat the Rat King and into the world of the Sugar Plum Fairy accompanied by her Nutcracker prince.
Perfectly blending classical ballet with Latin and contemporary movement, the much-loved coming-of-age story is enriched with Cuban dance traditions, creating a sweet new take on the traditional family show. The captivating movement on stage is accompanied by sparkling video projection and set design by Nina Dunn, colourful costume design by Angelo Alberto and atmospheric lighting by Andrew Exeter.
Carlos Acosta CBE is an international superstar of the classical ballet world. Born in Havana, he trained at the National School of Ballet in Cuba and went on to perform professionally with some of the most revered dance companies, including London’s Royal Ballet, where he stayed for 17 years. Now, artistic director of two dance companies – Birmingham Royal Ballet and Acosta Danza – the culture and history of his homeland continues to influence his work.
The perfect theatrical winter tradition, Nutcracker is often the first ballet that many people see. Radiating warmth and a welcoming dose of lively pizzazz, Acosta Danza’s reimagining of Nutcracker fuses classical ballet with a little Havana heat; just the warmth we need in January. Happiness from beginning to end.
