AN UPCOMING production of The Nutcracker will feature “subtle but important” changes, in a commitment to tackling racism in ballet.
Scottish Ballet said the Chinese and Arabian-inspired scenes in the Land of Sweets will have updated costumes and choreography to “remove elements of caricature”.
Christopher Hampson, Scottish Ballet’s artistic director, said “rectifying inappropriate cultural stereotypes” will add to the heritage of the production.
The magician character, Drosselmeyer, will be played by both male and female dancers in this tour, which opens at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh on December 1.
Hampson, who is also the dance company’s chief executive, said: “At Scottish Ballet we want to drive anti-racism, clear and simple. If we see racist stereotypes or if we hear about racism within the ballet world, it must be addressed.
“The Nutcracker was created in 1972, when it was acceptable to represent other cultures through imitation. If we are representing a culture, it’s important that we have done our due diligence to ensure it is done so authentically.
“By rectifying inappropriate cultural stereotypes, we’re adding to the production’s heritage and making it richer.
“Art must evolve to speak to our times, which is why our Drosselmeyer will be played by male and female dancers.
“I made this change after considering who our heroes are in ballets, and it struck me that there was nothing about this role that suggested only a man could deliver it.”
Scottish Ballet said that in the era of the Black Lives Matter movement, it has made the commitment to tackling racism within the industry by becoming a more visible, active ally to people and organisations who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to the cause.
Last year, Scottish Ballet reviewed its production of The Snow Queen and said it found there was an opportunity to better represent Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) culture within the work, adjusting costumes, props and choreography as a result of that process.
The Nutcracker will tour Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Belfast between December 2021 and February 2022.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel