The Nutcracker

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Snow much fun! This December, Hong Kong Ballet (HKB)’s festive family favourite The Nutcracker returns to bring holiday cheer in a wondrous celebration of early 20th century Hong Kong’s history, characters and natural beauty. The Nutcracker opens on 15 December with 19 performances through 30 December at Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s Grand Theatre, and audiences will enjoy Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by Hong Kong Sinfonietta under the baton of Fayçal Karoui for selected performances. This inspiring production won Outstanding Choreography, Outstanding Set and Costume Design at the Hong Kong Dance Awards 2022.

An Annual Hong Kong Classic
The much-anticipated annual extravaganza begins at a lively Christmas Eve party in a gilded mansion where young Clara receives a unique Nutcracker as a gift. With its glittering costumes and captivating sets, this wondrous world finds Clara and her brother Fritz on a magical coming-of-age adventure with the Nutcracker Prince, battling the evil Rat King (inspired by infamous pirate Cheung Po Tsao) and his army, meeting a host of lively characters and encountering a kaleidoscope of Hong Kong’s colourful peacocks, lush cockatoos, energetic racing jockeys and blossoming bauhinias.

Hong Kong’s rich culture is joyfully celebrated in the vibrant characters, riveting choreography and innovative stage designs. Artistic Director Septime Webre and his creative team incorporate local history and customs into the ballet classic by showcasing a lion dance, rickshaws, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, a shadow puppet theatre, the White Snake and the Academic, delicious dim sum and more. The larger-than-life sets feature an opulent golden mansion reminiscent of Kom Tong Hall, the former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower and an ethereal snowy bamboo forest straight out of a classic Chinese film. Drawing inspiration from vintage local fashion and Hong Kong’s plethora of unique animals and stunning flowers, acclaimed designers Gabriela Tylesova, Au Yu Kong and Joanne Chong meticulously created over 240 intricately detailed costumes for the show’s 300+ characters.

The Nutcracker Land @ The Wai
This year, we are also excited to bring The Nutcracker out of the theatre and into the heart of the community. In collaboration with new shopping mall The Wai, we proudly present ‘The Nutcracker Land’ from now until the end of December at The Wai. Guests will get a special sneak peek at the beloved The Nutcracker ballet on 9 December and have a chance to meet their favourite characters in person on 2, 23 and 31 December while enjoying the festive Christmas Castle with its vibrant neon-light installation inspired by local tourist attractions. This unforgettable experience captures the warm holiday magic that brings family and friends together!

More Nutcracker Fun
HKB will host a special The Nutcracker Ballet 360° event, lively pre-performance workshops and insightful pre-performance talks to fully immerse audiences in the holiday production’s magical world.