Ballet Victoria’s gift this holiday season: a reimagined version of the Pandora’s Box myth, featuring music from The Nutcracker and the Victoria Symphony. The Gift comes to the Royal Theatre Dec. 28 - 29.
The Gift tells the story of young Pandora and her family as they gather on Christmas Eve. When a world-traveling uncle brings an exotic trunk and warns Pandora not to open it, the temptation proves too much and a wild ride ensues. Expect a dance-through-the-ages segment featuring the likes of Lady Gaga – with symphony pianists – as Pandora tames the cast of characters.
The is the second year Ballet Victoria will bring The Gift to the stage.
“I knew that I wanted to do a unique Christmas story,” said the company’s artistic director, Paul Destrooper. “Many people love the tradition of The Nutcracker, so I began thinking of ways to play with the original story and modernize it a bit. I liked the idea of bringing it into this century with different ethnic groups and alluding to popular music segments and dance moves. By introducing different cultures in the story, it is like Pandora and the audience travel virtually.”
The show is here for two performances only: Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets, from $15 for children 12 and under, are available at balletvictoria.com or rmts.bc.ca.