Nutcracker: The Story of Clara

The Australian Ballet Company mounted this loose adaptation of Pyotr Illych Tchaikovsky's ballet +The Nutcracker in 1994. In lieu of the traditional narrative associated with that ballet, this version relays the historical tale of a Russian ballerina named Clara (played by three performers - Vicki Attard, Margaret Scott and Siobhan Elsmann) who journeys to Australia in the 1940s. Additional dancers in the company include Steven Heathcote and David McAllister. Graeme Murphy choreographs; the Orchestra Victoria (originally called The State Orchestra of Victoria) lends added musical accompaniment.