Vladimir Kachesov "The Snow Queen" Ballet in two acts
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Premiere of this production: 24 Nov 2026 The performance has 1 intermission The Kremlin Ballet Theatre will open the new season with another premiere production: The Snow Queen, set to music by Vladimir Kachesov. Set within the very heart of Moscow, on the historic grounds of the Kremlin, the stage of the State Kremlin Palace is home to the distinguished Kremlin Ballet Theatre. Its company brings together accomplished dancers, many of whom have performed on the stage of the legendary Bolshoi Theatre and trained in the same prestigious academies that shaped generations of Russia’s greatest ballet artists. Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale The Snow Queen may seem familiar to children and adults around the world. Yet it is such a multifaceted work that each rereading reveals new meanings, hidden layers and philosophical ideas. At the same time, The Snow Queen possesses a distinctive inner rhythm that seems to call for expression through music, while its storylines are remarkably dynamic and naturally suited to dance. In other words, Andersen’s tale is perfectly suited to the language of classical choreography. It also invites audiences of all ages on a breathtaking adventure – not only through mountains, forests and snow-covered kingdoms, but, most importantly, into the hidden corners of the human soul, where few dare to look. Perhaps this is why the work of the great Danish writer continues to captivate generations, while artists in every field repeatedly return to the figures of Kai and Gerda in search of answers to questions that concern us all. In its new production, the Kremlin Ballet will place particular emphasis on the love story of the grown-up Kai and Gerda – a love that has overcome every obstacle and defeated evil. The company will present a completely new choreographic interpretation of the famous tale: vivid, captivating and exceptionally beautiful, with plenty of surprises to delight audiences. SynopsisPROLOGUE In the far northern reaches, surrounded by ice, lives the Snow Queen. She is served by enormous goblins and a small, wicked troll. The Snow Queen wants a new castle and orders the goblins to build it, but they are far too clumsy: everything keeps slipping from their huge hands, and even the wicked troll cannot organise them. Despite their efforts, nothing useful comes of their work – instead, they accidentally smash a magic mirror. ACT I Scene 1 In a small town in northern Europe live a young man and a young woman, Kai and Gerda. They are already old enough to marry, and as soon as the New Year celebrations are over, they will announce the date of their wedding. For now, they are celebrating Christmas and the New Year together with all the townspeople. Invited performers from Spain, Russia and China entertain the crowds in the town square. Everyone is enjoying themselves, and no one notices the sinister figure of the Snow Queen moving among the townspeople. Scene 2 Seeing the happy young couple, the owner of a flower shop gives each of them a flower. These are no ordinary flowers, but magical talismans that will help protect them in difficult times. Meanwhile, jealous of Kai and Gerda’s happiness, the Snow Queen throws a fragment of the magic mirror. It strikes the young man in the heart, after which she takes him away to her kingdom. Scene 3 Suddenly, the flower shop transforms into a magnificent garden filled with fluttering butterflies and charming bumblebees and beetles. It turns out that the seemingly unremarkable woman is a true sorceress! And her enchanted flowers really will protect the lovers from the Snow Queen’s evil magic. Scene 4 In her search for Kai, Gerda arrives at an ancient castle where a selection of brides is being held for the prince. According to tradition, the prince must wear a mask. But what is this? Even behind the mask, the prince looks remarkably like Kai! Has Kai forgotten their love? During the ball, Gerda tears the mask from the prince’s face, only to realise her mistake and try to escape. She is caught and brought before the prince. After hearing her story, the prince sets her free and provides her with a carriage and warm clothes. ACT II Scene 5 In the Snow Queen’s icy kingdom, Kai tries to escape from captivity but encounters frozen figures. It is easy to recognise among them the performers from the protagonists’ hometown and the prince himself. They have been transformed into icy slaves who are building the Snow Queen’s castle. Yet all the Snow Queen’s attempts to freeze Kai are unsuccessful: he is protected by the flower given to him by the kind sorceress, and the Snow Queen burns herself on it again and again. Scene 6 Gerda is discovered by a band of robbers, who steal her carriage. Soon, however, she finds common ground with the Little Robber Girl, who releases her and gives her a reindeer. Scene 7 Gerda reaches Lapland. The people living there cannot light a fire because the Snow Queen repeatedly covers their campfire with snow. Thanks to her warm heart and the help of the magic flower, Gerda solves their problem. EPILOGUE All the frozen figures become human again, and the celebration returns to their hometown together with Kai and Gerda. | Vladimir Kachesov "The Snow Queen" Ballet in two acts on the playbill | ||||||
