This week, the heat from Havana arrived with Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana, which is being developed by dance legend Carlos Acosta right here in Norwich Theatre with our team.
Alongside them is a troupe of dancers from Acosta Danza and their junior company, Acosta Danza Yunior, who are perfecting their choreography for the dance spectacular Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana, a Cuban take on the much-loved classical ballet.
But how do you actually go about weaving the Cuban spirit into this traditional, well-loved Christmas ballet? “Well, if there was a recipe, you would say step one is to find a visionary dance legend,” explains Norwich Theatre Chief Executive and Creative Director, Stephen Crocker.
There is no doubt that Carlos, who spent much of his career as a principal dancer in classical ballet companies, would have gotten to know the Nutcracker extremely well.
Talking to Stephen, you cannot help but catch the infectious energy of this show, which was inspired by and captures the soul of Carlos’ homeland. “We want people to see the Nutcracker story but be immersed in the amazing city of Havana.”
Looking at the design, including the costumes, set, music, and projections, you are transported to the heart of Cuba. Composer Pepe Gavilondo orchestrated the Tchaikovsky score to evoke the sounds and music you would hear walking around the city of Havana.
The set is truly beautiful. It starts in a humble Cuban countryside dwelling and then transforms into the dance halls of Havana and a grand staircase. “To my knowledge, this is the first Nutcracker to have a fully functioning car on the stage,” Stephen explains as he guides us through the set design.
There is a lot to see. The stage is full of dancers and beautiful props and set, all intermingled with some incredible projections taken from Carlos Acosta’s biopic Yuli.
For Carlos, the costumes needed to reflect the Caribbean, so the show commissioned Costume Designer Angelo Alberto. This is clearly second nature for Angelo, who is a Caribbean artist himself, hailing from the island of Curacao. The costumes are strikingly full of rich, lush colour that transports you to the region.
The traditional Nutcracker opulence with tutus and pointe shoes is juxtaposed with Cuban dress, including military jackets for the soldier. The Nutcracker becomes a Mambi – a soldier who fought for Cuba’s independence from Spain – who dons a traditional Mambise costume. Instead of carrying a rifle, he will carry a Cuban sword, which looks rather like a machete.
Traditional ballet fans need not worry – this is still the story of The Nutcracker that we all know and love. “I want to assure you, you are going to see the Nutcracker in this with a little bit of a twist!” said Stephen.
It is balletic at its core, but in the spirit of Cuban cool, it does loosen itself up. There is a fantastic moment where the corps de ballet turns into a Conga line. “There aren’t many versions of the Nutcracker in which you tap along, but this is one of them.”
For Norwich Theatre, co-producing and touring this piece with Valid Productions is “a massive undertaking” but marks an ambition that has been realised. “When we launched our new strategy, we pledged that we included originating and co-originating, and this show has truly made that a reality,” said Stephen.
“It is easy to think this is Carlos Acosta’s show, but it has Norwich Theatre written all over it, and the show will be made in Havana and Norwich. To then take that show out on tour with Norwich written all through its DNA like a stick of rock is really special, and is absolutely a first for this organisation and for Norwich and for Norfolk.”
Throughout the theatre you feel a sense of excitement building for opening night in Norwich on 1st November. “I can’t wait,” said Stephen. “I know people are really excited to see how Carlos tells this story and are excited to see what Acosta Danza do with it.”
“It is not often you get a new Nutcracker, so I think the dance world is quite intrigued. Let’s keep that intrigue and wow them with it!”
Carlos Acosta’s Nutcracker in Havana makes its world premiere at Norwich Theatre Royal between 1 – 3 November before embarking on a UK tour, including a week-long run at London’s Southbank Centre in December 2024.
To book online, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office at 01603 630 000.
