"Nutcracker!" (2002) Flashcards
When was the “Nutcracker!” created and performed?
Originally created in 1992, but then restaged and performed in 2002 fully choreographed and directed by Bourne.
What is the subject matter of the “Nutcracker!”?
Matthew Bourne’s reinterpretation of the original Nutcracker story exploring themes of childhood, innocence in Act 1, and sexual awakening, and freedom in Act 2.
What is the structure of the “Nutcracker!”?
A narrative structure of 2 acts separated by an interval, with 8 scene
Who created the music score for “Nutcracker!”?
Tchaikovsky (19th century classical composer, also composed the original Nutcracker score) with Terry Davies additional sound effects, such as the lighting strike and gunshot.
Who is the set designer of both the original and new “Nutcracker!”?
Anthony Ward
How many people perform in the new “Nutcracker!”?
The New Adventures cast of 28 dancers, 14 male and 14 female.
Who are the 8 key influences on the “Nutcracker!” and why?
- Wizard of Oz - Set design/lighting, black and white into technicolour.
- Busby Berkley - “Footlight Parade” (1933) water ballet of chorus girls diving and swimming into water in geometric and floral patterns.
- Sonja Henie - Famous figure skater - the first to include dance choreography.
- The Child Catcher (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) - Dr Dross.
- Frankenstein - When the doll comes to life.
- Frederick Ashton - Characterisation, non-verbal story telling.
- Lea Anderson - Danced in her all male company (featherstonehaughs) - using her gestural movement style.
- Isadora Duncan - Free movement for enjoyment. Pedestrian style.
Give a movement example from Act 1 Scene 1 ‘Preparation for a visit’ of the “Nutcracker!” that shows Bournes use of characterisation (Ashton ballet + Anderson contemporary) within his choreographic style (Dancers must be actors).
Movement: Clara stands facing DSL and does two jumps on the spot changing feet and arms in opposition. She then jumps twice more but on second one does half star jump kick of her right leg. She then takes four runs moving DSL swinging her arms one at a time forwards over her head. She then travels towards the nutcracker and gives him a bashful look.
Interpretation: shows Clara’s and nutcrackers playful, fun and innocent relationship with each other; inexperience, clumsiness. Direct correlation.
Features of ICDS: Change is desireable, a diversity of styles, theatricality to inform choreographic presentation.
Give a movement example from Act 1 Scene 4 ‘The Revolt’ of the “Nutcracker!” that shows Bourne’s use of physical setting to enhance the theme of growing up.
Movement: As the nutcracker removes his mask, he stares at Clara. The blue lighting highlights his bare chest and arms. Ascending and descending scales of the harp create a romantic atmospher as Nutcracker & CLara walk CS to meet, staring intensely at each other. Clara places her ear on his chest, lsitening to his heart. He looks to the audience with an air of confidence.
Interpretation: shows how Clara is growing up and this is her first male encounter, also may be the nutcrackers first time and he is looking to the audience for reassurance. Enhancement of mood and atmospher of music. Physical setting highlights his body, the audience are drawn to this too.
Features of ICDS: Physical setting and theatricality to inform choreographic presentation, willingness to make a statement, change is desirable.
Give a movement example from Act 2 Scene 3 ‘The Wedding Cake’ of the “Nutcracker!” that shows Bourne’s use of memorable and lavish set design within his choreographic style, Busby Berkley’s influence (a range of cultural influences) and filmic techniques.
Movement: In collaboration with Antony War, there is a bright pink, three-tier cake structure CS. The large ensemble is arranged on top of each layer of the structure and perform fluid arm movements in synchronicity. The cake is vibrantly coloured, as well as the pink backdrop surrounded by lights which look like gum drops.
Interpretation: The ensemble perform in synchronicity to mimic Berkley’s “Footlight Parade” (1933) a water ballet of chorus girls diving and swimming in geometric and floral patterns. Bourne uses the vibrancy of the backdrop to create a joyful atmosphere.
Features of ICDS: Physical setting to inform choreographic presentation, a range of cultural influences, collaboration with a range of artists, change is desirable.
