Based on: Brothers Grimm fairy tale

Overview: Hansel + Gretel follows the story of two siblings who are abandoned in the forest by their parents due to a food shortage. While lost, they stumble upon a gingerbread house, which belongs to a wicked witch. The witch captures Hansel and Gretel, intending to fatten Hansel up and eat him. Gretel outsmarts the witch by pushing her into the oven, and the two children escape with treasure and return home to their grateful parents.

Key Themes:

• Family and Survival: The ballet emphasizes the bond between siblings and their determination to survive against all odds, showcasing the strength of familial love.
• Courage and Cleverness: Gretel’s resourcefulness highlights the importance of bravery and quick thinking in overcoming challenges, illustrating that intelligence can triumph over evil.
• Darkness and Whimsy: The juxtaposition of the dark themes surrounding the witch with the whimsical elements of the gingerbread house creates a unique blend of adventure and danger.

Notable Sections:

• The Forest Scene: The ballet opens with Hansel and Gretel wandering through the forest, with choreography that reflects their playful sibling dynamic and the uncertainty of their surroundings. The movements convey a sense of innocence and exploration.
• Discovery of the Gingerbread House: The moment the siblings find the gingerbread house is filled with wonder, featuring lively choreography that captures their excitement and curiosity, contrasted by the sinister presence of the witch.
• The Witch’s Dance: The witch’s scenes are characterized by quirky, exaggerated movements that add a comical yet menacing tone, showcasing her deceptive nature and sinister intentions.
• The Climax: The pivotal moment occurs when Gretel cleverly tricks the witch into the oven. This sequence is filled with tension and excitement, showcasing Gretel’s bravery and ingenuity as she saves both herself and Hansel.
• Joyful Reunion: The ballet concludes with a celebratory finale as Hansel and Gretel return home with treasure, emphasizing the joy of family reunion and the triumph over adversity.

What to Look For: Watch the playful sibling dynamics between Hansel and Gretel and the eerie, whimsical set design of the gingerbread house. The choreography of the witch’s scenes often adds a comical, yet menacing, touch.

Experience it for yourself! See Oregon Ballet Theatre’s production of Hansel + Gretel from October 5–12 featuring choreography by Loughlan Prior and music by Claire Cowen.