It was shocking to walk into the auditorium for the first time

A new production of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, a two-act ballet inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic children’s novel, opened at the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires. The performance, staged by the Teatro Colón’s permanent ballet company under the direction of Julio Bocca, marks the first Argentine staging of this internationally acclaimed work. Created by British choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, the ballet features original music composed by Joby Talbot and was developed through a commission from the Royal Ballet of London and the National Ballet of Canada. The production, which has toured globally since its premiere in 2011, arrived in Argentina during the winter holidays, offering audiences a chance to experience a modern interpretation of a Victorian-era tale. The ballet blends adventure, romance, and moments of despair, following the journey of the titular character, Alice, as she navigates the fantastical world of Wonderland. The narrative structure allows for the showcasing of numerous characters, each with their own distinct personalities and roles. The production incorporates advanced stage design and lighting techniques, including projections by Jon Driscoll and Gemma Carrington, and sound design by Andrew Bruce. The set and costume designs were crafted by Bob Crowley, while Natasha Katz handled the lighting. The orchestration, conducted by David Briskin, is performed by the Buenos Aires Philharmonic Orchestra, whose musicians delivered a polished and immersive performance throughout the evening. The production team faced considerable challenges in adapting the intricate technical elements originally designed for the Royal Danish and Swedish ballets to fit the unique requirements of the Teatro Colón. The theater’s costume, lighting, and stagecraft departments worked collaboratively to ensure that every detail envisioned by Wheeldon and Talbot came to life. The atmosphere created by Talbot’s score, marked by its ethereal quality and emotional depth, enhanced the audience’s immersion into the dreamlike world of Wonderland, where scenes of adventure, love, and tension unfold with dramatic intensity. At the heart of the performance is the portrayal of Alice, played by Caterina Stutz, who embodies the curiosity and determination of a young girl transitioning into adolescence. Her performance is complemented by that of Facundo Luqui, who plays her companion, portraying both tenderness and resolve as they traverse different dimensions. The role of the White Rabbit, initially portrayed as Lewis Carroll himself, is taken up by Juan Pablo Ledo, who transitions seamlessly into the anxious and punctuality-challenged character. His performance captures the essence of the character’s urgency and eccentricity, making him a compelling presence within the story. The cast includes 55 dancers, many of whom are students from the Instituto Superior de Arte y Tecnología del Cine (ISATC). These young performers contribute significantly to the production, embodying a range of roles, from the legs of the caterpillar to the adorable rolling hedgehogs. The inclusion of these emerging talents highlights the educational and artistic value of the performance, blending professional expertise with fresh talent. Throughout the show, the blend of classical ballet and contemporary storytelling creates a rich tapestry of movement and emotion. The production’s success lies not only in its visual spectacle but also in its ability to evoke the timeless themes of wonder, transformation, and self-discovery. As the final curtain falls, the audience is left with a lasting impression of a beautifully executed and emotionally resonant theatrical experience.