Moveo’s version of ‘The Nutcracker’ returns to the Manoel this week

Moveo Dance Company’s original version of the beloved Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker, is returning to the Manoel Theatre stage this week.

Running from tomorrow to Friday, The Nutcracker is on daily at 7.30pm, with an additional matinée performance at 4.30pm tomorrow.

This production of Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker will be performed by an ensemble of both young dancers from the Moveo Junior Company and seasoned Moveo apprentices and dancers, with Lara Mizzi in the role of Clara and Zashaya Zammit as the titular Nutcracker.

“Moveo’s Nutcracker merges the timeless charm of Tchaikovsky’s classic with Moveo’s bold, contemporary language, presenting a fresh reinterpretation of this beloved ballet through the vision of a Maltese artist,” says choreographer Dorian Mallia.

“The work combines expressive physicality, theatrical nuance, and imaginative stage design to tell Clara’s story in a way that feels both nostalgic and deeply human.”

The production will feature Moveo Dance Company’s version of the ballet.

This production reflects the artistic vision of Moveo Dance Company, which is co-led by Mallia and Diane Portelli.

Mallia says that he often finds artistic and choreographic inspiration “from human emotion and connection, finding a way to bring to life the invisible stories carried through movement”, even when working on the scale of a production like The Nutcracker.

Focusing on contrasts such as strength and fragility, realism and imagination, The Nutcracker allows Moveo to “explore these contrasts through the innocence of childhood dreams meeting the complexity of growing up and allows us to celebrate how dance can transform familiar tales into something deeply personal and universal”.

Mallia adds that he is also inspired by the role that theatre plays in today’s world.

“It allows us to imagine worlds we can step into, and at the same time, it reminds us of our shared humanity,” he says.

The work combines expressive physicality, theatrical nuance and imaginative stage design.

“Especially in turbulent times, I find great inspiration in how performance can offer hope, reflection and the possibility of becoming better both as individuals and as a society.”

The production has evolved significantly since last year’s production of The Nutcracker. A brand-new set design by Aleksandra Idowiak will immerse audiences into a dream-like world inside a whimsical toyshop.

There will be some new choreography too, most notably the addition of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s iconic Pas de Deux, which as Mallia explains “bridges classical technique with modern interpretation, reflecting the company’s signature blend of tradition and innovation.”

The Nutcracker has become one of the most popular ballets of all time. The iconic score composed by Tchaikovsky, paired with Mallia’s contemporary choreography, results in a production that is perfect for audiences of all ages.

The recognisable story makes this production accessible to those who are new to the world of dance, while the elevated choreography means that it will be a unique and enjoyable Christmas-time experience for those more familiar with the genre.

There will be six performances of The Nutcracker from December 8 to 12. The performance has a runtime of roughly 75 minutes without an interval. Ticket prices range from €10 to €30 and can be purchased online via teatrumanoel.mt/event/the-nutcracker/ or from the Teatru Manoel Box Office, either in person or over the phone on 2124 6389.