An Orange in December: A Celebration of Newfoundland and Labrador Tradition

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the tradition of finding an orange in your Christmas stocking is a cherished memory for many. This seemingly simple gift, once a rare and precious treat, carries with it the warmth of nostalgia and the comfort of home. Untellable Movement Theatre's 2021 project, "An Orange in December," beautifully captures this sentiment, merging tradition with innovation to create a virtual Christmas card for those at home and those missing home.

A Fresh Take on a Classic

At the heart of "An Orange in December" is a new arrangement of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Overture, masterfully reimagined for the mandolin by Dave Panting, with production by Geoff Panting. The Nutcracker, a staple of Christmas celebrations worldwide, is given a fresh, local flavour through Panting's arrangement, bridging the gap between classical music and Newfoundland’s folk traditions. The sweet, resonant tones of the mandolin evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity, making the Nutcracker Overture feel as though it has always belonged in the homes of Newfoundland and Labrador.

This unique musical arrangement sets the stage for a heartwarming dance performance by Ada Andrews. Her performance, filmed within the historic walls of Winterholme, adds an element of timelessness to the project, creating a poignant reminder of the joys of Christmases past and the hope for those to come.

The cinematography by Chris Hibbs captures the beauty of Winterholme, the intimacy of Andrews' performance, and the rich textures of the costumes provided by the ACC Costume Bank.

Digital Dance

Untellable started its “digital dance” journey out of necessity in 2020. It’s a methodology that we now embrace. One of the benefits of digital dance is that it is an archive. We have the opportunity to look back at past performances with fresh eyes.

Much has changed since the filming of this project— yet, it resonates. We hope that this piece finds an audience of returning viewers and new sets of eyes each year.

A Gift to the Community

Directed by Lynn Panting, "An Orange in December" is a gift to the community. In a time when many were unable to be with their loved ones, this virtual Christmas card served as a reminder of home, heritage, and the enduring spirit of the holidays.

As the holiday season approaches, "An Orange in December" invites audiences to reflect on the simple joys of the holidays, the importance of tradition, and the ways in which art can connect us. This beautiful collaboration is a celebration of the past, a nod to the present, and a hopeful look towards the future—wrapped up in the sweet memory of an orange in December.

We hope you enjoy it for years to come!