VOICED : South African ballet sets Nutcracker in the Kalahari Desert

The Joburg Ballet's reimagined Nutcracker incorporates South African cultural elements, setting the story in the Kalahari Desert during summer. The production retains Tchaikovsky's score but replaces traditional elements with local ones, such as a sangoma as the Sugarplum Fairy. Dancers face challenges adapting to new styles, including acrobatics, aiming to attract diverse audiences while maintaining the Nutcracker's magic.

What unique setting does the South African version of The Nutcracker feature?

• The Amazon Rainforest

• The Kingdom of Sweets

• The Sahara Desert

• The Kalahari Desert

Who plays the role of the Sugarplum Fairy in the South African Nutcracker?

• A ballerina

• A magician

• A musician

• A sangoma

What challenge do the dancers face in the South African Nutcracker production?

• Learning new languages

• Adapting to a new storyline

• Incorporating South African dance elements

• Performing in extreme weather conditions

What new feature is included in this year's Nutcracker production?

• Live animals

• A different lead character

• Acrobatics

• A new musical score

What is the goal of the Joburg Ballet with this new production?

• To create a new ballet entirely

• To win international awards

• To perform in more countries

• To attract a more diverse audience