China Everbright Ltd. Proudly Presents The Nutcracker
is the World Premiere of Septime Webre’s
Latest Hong Kong Adventure
[Hong Kong—1 November 2021] Let your holiday spirits soar with Artistic Director Septime Webre’s thrilling world premiere of The Nutcracker, one of the largest and most ambitious productions in Hong Kong Ballet (HKB)’s history. An adventure awaits as Clara and her magical Nutcracker battle the villainous Rat King and embark on a fantasy journey highlighting early 20th century Hong Kong’s history, culture and natural beauty. A glorious feast for the eyes and ears, this nostalgic extravaganza with original choreography by Webre features a riveting fusion of local historical characters, charming wildlife and shared Hong Kong traditions. Title-sponsored by China Everbright Ltd., The Nutcracker opens 11 December with 19 performances through 26 December at Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s Grand Theatre.
Designers Gabriela Tylesova and Albert Au have created over five grand larger-than-life sets, which range from an opulent golden mansion reminiscent of the Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum to an ethereal bamboo forest straight out of a classic Chinese film. Drawing additional inspirations from vintage oriental fashion and Hong Kong’s plethora of unique animals and stunning flowers, Tylesova meticulously designed more than 240 beautifully intricate costumes for over 300 characters in the show.
To capture the essence of Hong Kong in the early 20th century, Webre closely collaborated with local dramaturge Yan Pat To to seamlessly infuse Hong Kong elements into Clara’s unforgettable adventure, including memorable historical figures, beloved traditions and native flora and fauna, transporting audiences from a festive party with Dr Sun Yat-sen to the lively Cheung Chau Bun Festival.
Webre enthusiastically shares, ‘This new production of The Nutcracker is Hong Kong Ballet’s Christmas gift to our city. It’s both a heart-warming coming-of-age holiday story about Clara and her special Nutcracker gift, which magically transforms into a handsome Nutcracker Prince, and also a celebration of Hong Kong. We’ve worked hard on this production for three years, and it will be bursting with heartfelt moments and whimsical details. We know it is destined to become a Hong Kong holiday classic.’
With its exciting plot and sumptuous sets and costumes, The Nutcracker will thrill Hong Kong audiences with Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed live by Hong Kong Sinfonietta under the baton of Yip Wing-sie and Vivian Ip. Following Webre’s highly acclaimed Hong Kong-themed production of Romeo + Juliet, The Nutcracker will leave guests with cherished holiday memories for years to come!
Priced at $680, $480, $320 and $180, with VIP tickets at $1,000, tickets are available at URBTIX now. Suitable for ages 3 and above.
Download Appendix (Synopsis, Creative Team, Performance Details and High Res Images)
For further information, please contact:
Phoebe Ko | Director of Marketing | T: 21059716 / 91965646 | [email protected]
Jerry Qiu | Assistant Marketing & PR Manager | T: 21059753 / 68796734 | [email protected]
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12 Dec Evening |
26 Dec Matinee |
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Champagne Partner |
Make-Up Partner |
Hotel Partner |
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Media Partner |
Company Partner |
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About Hong Kong Ballet
One of Asia’s premier ballet companies, Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) is internationally recognised as a vibrant arts institution that represents Hong Kong’s unique character. Established in 1979 and led by Artistic Director Septime Webre, HKB has a dynamic repertoire performed by nearly 50 dancers from all over the globe and award-winning education and community programmes.
With almost 50 international tours, HKB has won recognition from critics and fans both at home and abroad. Its diverse repertoire includes classic and modern masterpieces, original full-length ballets created for HKB, an interactive ballet series for younger fans and groundbreaking dance by today’s most sought-after choreographers, including Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon, Jiří Kylian, Nacho Duato and Trey McIntyre, among others.
HKB maintains an active schedule of community initiatives throughout Hong Kong to ensure that ballet is accessible to people from all walks of life.
The Nutcracker Promotional Photos
Creative: Design Army | Courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet
Photo 1 | Dancers (from left): Yang Ruiqi, Shen Jie | Photography: SWKit
Photo 2 | Dancers (from left): Reina Sawai, Jackson Dwyer | Photography: Ken Ngan
Photo 3 | Dancers (from top, clockwise): Ye Feifei, Reina Sawai, Gao Ge, Ashleigh Bennett, Zhang Xuening | Photography: Ken Ngan
Photo 4 | Hong Kong Ballet Children Dancers | Photography: Ken Ngan
