Deborah F. Rutter President Mario R. Rossero Vice President, Education
Many Romantic-era ballets employ a divertissement (dee-vehr-teesMAHN), or collection of dances, toward the end of a ballet to entertain the audience rather than advance the plot.
JOFFREY’S TAKE ON THE NUTCRACKER TRADITION Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker premiered in 1987. It was produced in the spirit of the original ballet by Marius Petipa, but Joffrey wanted his version to have an American feel. Before Joffrey’s version, productions of The Nutcracker were presented using European themes and traditions. In contrast, Joffrey’s version is set in 1850s America. Joffrey worked on his production of The Nutcracker for 15 years, all the while collecting Victorian cards, prints, illustrations, and toys that would form the basis for his sets and costumes. Traditionally, Romantic ballets had taken their audiences to various settings and time periods by creating an elaborate visual spectacle. One way Joffrey added to The Nutcracker’s spectacle was by incorporating Christmas tree angels into the production. Joffrey’s research of Victorian tin toys also inspired the sleek, glow in the dark mice costumes. Another change Joffrey made was to “bring alive” a bouquet of flowers from the first act during the “Waltz of the Flowers” in the second act. One of the most significant differences is in Joffrey’s Drosselmeyer. Some productions have portrayed Drosselmeyer as a frightening old man who leads Clara into a threatening dream world. Joffrey chose to represent him as an intelligent, charming character who makes Clara’s fantasy come true. Most importantly, Joffrey’s The Nutcracker highlights innocence, wonder, and family ties.
Support for this working rehearsal is made possible by Mr. James V. Kimsey; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; and the U.S. Department of Education. Major support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by David and Alice Rubenstein through the Rubenstein Arts Access Program.
Kennedy Center education and related artistic programming is made possible through the generosity of the National Committee for the Performing Arts and the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts.
www.kennedy-center.org/artsedge Cuesheets are produced by ArtsEdge, an education program of the Kennedy Center. Learn more about Education at the Kennedy Center at
www.kennedy-center.org/education The contents of this Cuesheet have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education but do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. © 2015 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
The Nutcracker
PERFORMANCE GUIDE
Ashley Wheater, Artistic Director
David M. Rubenstein Chairman
Cuesheet
THE JOFFREY BALLET WORKING REHEARSAL
CHOREOGRAPHY BY ROBERT JOFFREY
MUSIC BY PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY