Nutcracker - The Story of Clara
Photography by Jim McFarlane
Photography by Branco Gaica
Graeme Murphy’s acclaimed reimagining of The Nutcracker, like his Swan Lake, masterfully weaves together the enchantment and fantasy of the beloved classic with emotional depth and a modern perspective.
Clara, a former star of the Ballets Russes, has settled in Australia. On Christmas Eve, nearing the end of her life, she relives her past: her childhood in Imperial Russia, the Revolution, her travels and her triumphs on stage. Murphy mines the grand sweep of her history for universal truths about love, loss and resilience, exploring the colours and textures of Tchaikovsky’s marvellous score. Designs by the revered Kristian Fredrikson powerfully evoke Clara’s world, from the shimmer of an Australian summer to the glamour of Tsarist Russia.
This “Gum-nutcracker”, made especially for The Australian Ballet, celebrates its 25th birthday in 2017.
Photography by Branco Gaica
Murphy transforms The Nutcracker’s famous snowflake scene into Clara’s memory of her St Petersburg childhood.
“ From its first performance in 1992, Graeme Murphy’s Nutcracker – The Story of Clara was recognised as a masterpiece. ”The Age
Watch the trailer
Production credits
Nutcracker - the story of Clara
Choreography Graeme Murphy
Creative associate Janet Vernon
Concept Graeme Murphy and Kristian Fredrikson
Music Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Costume and set design Kristian Fredrikson
Original lighting design John Drummond Montgomery
Film collage Philippe Charluet
With Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra in Sydney
With Orchestra Victoria in Melbourne
