Christian Spuck’s new production places E.T.A. Hoffmann’s literary original at its center, emphasizing the tension between childhood innocence and the awakening of self-awareness.

Since Hoffmann’s 1816 story and the later ballet adaptation by Marius Petipa and Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky in 1892, The Nutcracker has become one of the most renowned classics of ballet. Originally conceived as a lavish divertissement, the work was performed repeatedly throughout the 20th century and evolved into a Christmas ritual, while its psychological and literary depth receded into the background. Christian Spuck draws on this historical tradition to create a production that remains true to classical ballet language while giving space to the nuanced aspects of Hoffmann’s story.

Musically, the production relies on Tchaikovsky’s world-famous score to give the contrasting scenes between fairy-tale lightness, dramatic tension, and surreal dreamlike imagery their distinctive sound.

This ballet is not simply a Christmas performance, but a poetic, modern reflection on growing up, self-discovery, and the boundaries between reality and imagination. Spuck’s new version is a Berlin Nutcracker, combining classical tradition with literary romance, preserving the magic of the original, and offering a contemporary, multilayered experience for both children and adults.

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