{A configuration of natural objects. A recent collage from A vagary of impediments & a sneak of weasels. (Available here)}
I went to the ballet to see the 115th performance of Graeme Murphy’s Nutcracker – The Story of Clara for the first time and I, along with my Mum, marvelled at such a beautiful and clever retelling of a favourite well-familiar tale. A snake charmer became a line of men with a rope that was heavy and yet writhed like a long woven snake, the Snowflakes floated across stage as if derived from magic, an Australian summer successfully conjured, footage projected upon screens on the stage of the Russian Revolution, rats, and at other times, to fit hand in glove with charming reference to the links with the Ballet Russes, visuals gleaned from world tours. With a lump in throat each, my Mum and I watched this beauty unfurl, held transfixed. The references to nostalgia, to memory, for me, made it all the more touching. And of course, Kristian Fredrikson’s rats in their heavy coats with their thick tails too.
Seated so near to the back of the State Theatre the spotlight frequently grazed the tops of our heads, with such a scene before the eyes and that music so beautiful, so rich in its ability to draw a visual before the eyes upon hearing it, we were more than contented. A rainy evening that followed a rainy day both of us had arrived damp and with soggy feet. Inside the red-carpeted and gold-trimmed warmth of the theatre, we added flame to our cheeks and enjoyed a complimentary drink. One sparkling and one house white so liberally poured that upon largely empty stomachs we felt giddy, all senses heightened momentarily. Side by side we watched the stage and listened to the orchestra and found ourselves, as no doubt intended by both composer and choreographer, transported to that very place presented. Should you get the chance to see this performance, I hope it gives you like all good sensations, prickles on the skin in accompaniment to a galloping heart.
+ Thank you Nathalie for both sharing what the postman delivered (it was especially fun for me to see) and giving me a Lemonade Stand Award.
+ Thank you... everyone. It is always a delight to see our post arrive and to receive your kind emails and mentions.
