Nutcracker in Havana– Theatre Royal, Norwich

Production Company: Acosta Danza
Choreographer: Carlos Acosta
Original Score: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Arrangements and Orchestrations: Pepe Gavilondo and Yasel Muñoz

With November comes the Christmas season and the annual retellings of The Nutcracker. With there seemingly being a new take every year there’s always the question of what new magic can continue to be woven into its well-known tale. The Nutcracker in Havana’s renowned choreographer Carlos Acosta and his Havana-based company, debuting in Norwich, succeeds.

Gone is the grand European mansion; in its place, we find a bustling 1950s Cuban household on Christmas Eve. Clara (Laura Rodríguez) is surrounded by her energetic family, their home brimming with music and laughter. Acosta’s staging takes the time to root Clara’s story in the rhythms and warmth of Havana, letting the audience feel not just the change in setting, but the heartbeat of the culture. The set design transports the audience initially with a screen projection of Havana and then maintains the Cuban vibes with its bold, sun-soaked colours.

This reimagining marries Tchaikovsky’s iconic score with additional Cuban compositions. While Tchaikovsky’s strings and winds bring traditional grandeur, the interludes of Cuban music, with its lively percussion and brass, bring an unexpected energy and creates an homage to Cuban and Russian traditions. The Latin rhythms create a playfulness in the performance not usually found in productions of The Nutcracker, loosening the strictures of classical ballet to make space for Cuban dance influences.

Acosta’s choreography for the company is excellent. The dancers of Acosta Danza shine as they shift seamlessly between the reserved elegance of classical ballet and the vibrant, foot-stomping exuberance of Latin dance. Leading as Clara, Rodríguez brings a delightful energy to her role, dancing with childlike joy through each twist and discovery of the story. Her performance is supported by Laurretta Summerscales as the Sugar Plum Fairy, who turns each movement into a burst of energy and expression. Perhaps the scene which lends itself most unexpectedly to this Latin influence is the Land of Sweets section that becomes a vibrant Cuban carnival full of colour, rhythm, and joy.

Acosta’s ambition is clearly high with this piece, and the effect is truly captivating. The Nutcracker in Havana challenges the traditional boundaries of ballet while holding onto the core themes of The Nutcracker—wonder, warmth, and family. This adaptation pulses with Cuban colour and vivacity, the fusion of classical technique and Cuban spirit is a joy to watch.

Runs Until: 3 November 2024