A Newly Proscribed Christmas Classic

Article by Tabea Dapous 10c (Published 28.01.2024)

An all time Christmas classic performance, the ballet “The Nutcracker”, has not been spotted on this year's Berlin State Opera performing list. A large uproar started when it was found out that the famous Tschaikowski ballet was not being shown to 2023s Christmas time. Why is a renowned tradition being cancelled? Has Cancel Culture taken it a step too far, to censure a classic that is also art? 

A couple of years back, the Berlin State Opera decided to perform the ballet, just as the original Choreographer Marius Petipa had done in 1892. Already then protests about scenes being racist and politically incorrect were voiced. As a result, changes were made. However some contentious aspects seemed to have survived. 

“The Nutcracker” production contains scenes with many folklore dances incorporated with ballet. The dances choreographed by Petipa, were found to contain many stereotypes and cliches originating from the Colonial Era. Not only were these outdated standardisations seen in the clothing and makeup (for example black-facing), but also in the dancing. 

Christine Theopold, the head of the State ballet, has therefore decided to temporarily suspend “The Nutcracker” from showing. As reported to the BILD Newspaper, she will review and consider how the production can be appropriately adjusted. Theopold stated that she could well could well imagine having the show back on stage, yet, with all that had to be juggled, could not manage this year.

Sources: 

Sonnenburg, G. (2021, December 2). Selbstzensur beim staatsballett – eine PR-kampagne?. Telepolis. https://www.telepolis.de/features/Selbstzensur-beim-Staatsballett-eine-PR-Kampagne-6282781.html

Stosiek, T. (2021, November 30). Kommentar zur Nussknacker-Absage am Berliner Staatsballett: Nussknacker-Zensur? Entspannt Euch!: Br-Klassik. BR. https://www.br-klassik.de/aktuell/news-kritik/nussknacker-zensur-staatsballett-berlin-cancel-culture-diskussion-kommentar-100.html