The Snow Queen

In December 2009, OperaDans presented: Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale, The Snow Queen.

Where:
Paleiskerk, Den Haag, 2514 JA (map)

Following their first sold out performance of Sweet Solitude in June 2009, OperaDans presents The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen. Nestled in the inspiring surroundings of The Paleiskerk in the centre of The Hague, this well-loved fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen will come to life with story-telling, singing, harp, modern dance and ballet, contemporary fashion and creative scenery.

The story of the Snow Queen begins with a mirror that is created by a wicked Goblin. Whoever looks in the mirror sees only ugliness and evil. One day, the mirror shatters into tiny pieces and whoever gets a piece of that glass in their eye can only see what is bad in the world.

Gerda and Kai are childhood sweethearts. Unfortunately, Kai gets a piece of the evil glass in his eye and his heart turns cold towards Gerda. This attracts the attention of the Snow Queen who’s own heart has turned cold. Kai and the Snow Queen become passionately obsessed with each other. Kai is taken away to the Snow Queen’s palace.

Gerda misses her playmate and begins a trek in search of him. She must travel through all of the seasons (spring, summer and autumn) and meet many strange characters along the way. She finally reaches winter and attempts to save Kai from the Snow Queen. However, Kai does not wish to be saved. Gerda is determined to get Kai back and fights with the Snow Queen, but Gerda is defeated. Gerda begins to succumb to the cold but Kai decides to save Gerda. Leaving the Snow Queen behind, Kai takes Gerda home, but not before a last passionate look to his beloved queen. In the end, Gerda has her "happily ever after". But it's not the same for everyone, and the question remains: did Kai make the right choice?

This magical wintery tale will be presented as theatre-in-the-round and is suitable for the whole family. Talented American actor Chip Bray tells the as soprano Nicole Jordan, in the role of the Snow Queen, sings the sensual songs of the Romantic composers Franz Schubert, Gabriel Fauré, and Hector Berlioz. The stunning harpist Astrid Haring, playing the part of the evil mirror, will accompany Nicole while three dancers, Konrad Szymanski, Jozefien Debaillie and Zaddik Francis play the roles of Kai, Gerda, and the Devil.