ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Marco Goecke's stripped-down 'Nutcracker' redefines ballet at Theater Basel

other · 2026-05-01

Marco Goecke, the new ballet director at Theater Basel, is revitalizing the institution with a radically stripped-down production of Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker'. His version eliminates traditional elements like cake, kitsch, and sugar, instead emphasizing the fantastical aspects of E. T. A. Hoffmann's original story. This approach marks a return to the roots of ballet while presenting a contemporary vision. Goecke's appointment aims to transform Basel into a hotspot in the dance world, leveraging his reputation for innovative choreography.

Key facts

  • Marco Goecke is the new ballet director at Theater Basel.
  • His production of 'The Nutcracker' removes cake, kitsch, and sugar.
  • The ballet is based on Tchaikovsky's score and E. T. A. Hoffmann's story.
  • Goecke's version focuses on the fantastical elements of the original tale.
  • The production is described as radically stripped-down.
  • Goecke aims to make Basel a hotspot in the dance world.
  • The approach is both a return to roots and contemporary.
  • The article is from Neue Zürcher Zeitung.

Entities

Artists

  • Marco Goecke
  • Peter Tschaikowsky
  • E. T. A. Hoffmann

Institutions

  • Theater Basel
  • Neue Zürcher Zeitung

Locations

  • Basel
  • Switzerland

Sources