I didn't have to make a special decision to stay away from politics during the holidays. Because it has little to do with love, the sparkling Christmas tree has an incomparable scent that can only be felt these days.

Especially after my child's Jesus brought theater tickets to the Nutcracker at Erkel on the 26th. The first surprise came even before the start of the performance, after the stone theater with the largest capacity in the country was almost full. Nearly 2,400 people were waiting for a cultural treat, a fairytale ballet following the traditions of classical ballet but meeting the expectations of 21st century dance art. Seeing the large number of people in the audience - among whom there were an extremely large number of young people - I secretly remembered how many people and how willingly they talk about poverty in Hungary. There were such long lines in the buffet that I didn't get to the pretzel vendor during any of the breaks, which I regret a little. The performance made up for everything.

The puppet show in the play is about the battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which they fight for the Princess. Marika's uncle presents Marika with a Nutcracker doll, who happily dances with her new pet and goes to rest with her toy. However, in his dream, the puppet show comes to life. Suddenly everything grows huge: the Christmas tree, the presents, the furniture. In fact, she herself transforms into a Princess. The Mouse King, led by mice and rats, prepares to attack the house and the Christmas tree. In her fear, Marika waits for help from the Nutcracker. Of course, the Nutcracker defeats the Mouse King at the head of an animated army of lead soldiers.

This wonderful evergreen Christmas piece enchanted the audience. Huge applause rewarded the masterful production of the dancers, including the fact that good triumphed over evil in this matinee performance on the day after Christmas.

I wanted to stay away from politics, but in the blink of an eye I couldn't. After all, it was a huge success that good triumphed over evil.

A holiday here, the day after Christmas there, it was impossible not to think that the Nutcracker must definitely defeat the Mouse King next year. And not only in fairy tales.

József K. Horváth / 888.hu

Image: Pixabay