Scene from Nutcracker on “the Hill” rehearsal Thursday evening. Photo by Kristen Honig
Scene from Nutcracker on “the Hill” rehearsal Thursday evening. Photo by Kristen Honig
Scene from Nutcracker on “the Hill” rehearsal Thursday evening. Photo by Kristen Honig
BY KAITY BURKE
Los Alamos
Jonathan Guise’s creation of the ballet Nutcracker on “The Hill” in 2015 created excitement in Los Alamos for our history, introduced some key figures to the younger generation, and brought a fun spin on a classic that had been performed for many years. Dance Arts Los Alamos (DALA) will be presenting this historical Nutcracker on “The Hill” this weekend at the Duane Smith Auditorium. Being able to perform this year, as Naomi Livesay (a figure who was here during the war), has been a great joy to me. The show is set during the Manhattan Project, and provides some glimpses into the Ranch School years and modern Los Alamos. Seeing this (while being an employee for the local Historical Society) has made me nerd out at many rehearsals.
I was a dancer at DALA for the greater part of my childhood. I began when I was four, and my first role in the Nutcracker was (in my words) “The Mouse That Got Shot”. I grew up in this dance company, making friends with my fellow dancers and gaining parental figures in the adults around me. Due to the sudden onset of a chronic illness, I had to quit dancing with DALA at the age of 11.
I currently work as a Museum Assistant at the Los Alamos Historical Society. However, my first job with the Society was as an intern in the archives. In late 2021 I was given the task of being a researcher for an upcoming film about Robert Oppenheimer. My job of researching for the film consisted of tracking down photos, diagrams, and specific details regarding wartime Los Alamos and the tangible aspects of the surroundings in day-to-day life. I was sent to track down model numbers of various pieces of machinery and the styles of decorations used during Christmas, was asked to label 35 different country flags from black and white photos, etc.
After the research was complete, I was tasked with being an Oppenheimer House Site Representative. That job consisted of sitting in the Oppenheimer House and watching the film crew bring in furniture for two weeks, watch from the house next door as they filmed every House scene in one morning, and not being in the way of the actors as they roamed the properties. I got to meet Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt, heard stories of the remote Los Alamos set, and generally watched our history be recreated at a distance.
Jonathan’s research for the Nutcracker on “The Hill” went into the details of the people who were here and the atmosphere of the town. My research work for Jonathan occurred in the last few years, so I can’t say what he asked about specifically during his original research in 2015. However, upon seeing the 1940’s Fuller Lodge backdrop this week, I instantly knew what materials were used from our archives. The backdrop shows a storm outside the original southern windows that were covered when the wings were added to the Lodge in the 50s. There are rugs hanging from the walls that were the true designs of the ones taken by the University of California in the 70s. These details are often overlooked or cast aside for cost-cutting measures. The work put into this production makes the history feel real.
Jonathan also had access to the Manhattan Project security pass images, and used them when choosing roles for part of the cast. One individual worked with Jonathan so that she could play her Godmother who was here during the war. These actions make the historical figures feel as genuine, and as if they were your friends (who are conveniently played by my actual friends).
I was asked to write about my experiences with this production, and my perspectives given my work with the Oppenheimer film. Thanks to Jonathan’s work, and the people who have helped over the years, I know that DALA’s portrayal of Los Alamos and its place in history will be my favorite for many years to come.
Dance Arts Los Alamos presents Nutcracker on “The Hill” at the Duane Smith Auditorium at LAHS on Friday, Dec. 1 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, Dec 2 at 2 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.
Scene from Nutcracker on “the Hill” rehearsal Thursday evening. Photo by Kristen Honig