The Nutcracker

The ballet is set in Riga at the end of the 19th century. The atmosphere of the city’s old streets can be felt here, along with Art Nouveau interiors, plant motifs and striking contrasts: it is winter outside, but flowers bloom indoors. On Christmas Eve, little Maria receives a doll—the Nutcracker—as a gift. The toys under the Christmas tree come to life, and wondrous adventures begin: an army of mice invades the room, the Nutcracker turns into a prince, frees Maria and takes her to a fairy-tale land. Students from the Riga Ballet School also take part in the performance. The performance is in two acts. Total duration: 2 hours. Act 1: 50 minutes. Interval. Act 2: 45 minutes.