Russian Ice Stars to skate into Neverland in ‘Peter Pan’ performance

AMMAN — Although “Peter Pan” is actually quite a dark story, a company presenting the classic in Amman this week aims to take audiences to Neverland for a few hours and help them forget their troubles, according to an acclaimed Russian ice skater performing in the production. 

Oksana Kazakova, who won a gold medal in the 1998 Winter Olympics pairs competition, will join a group of 23 ice skaters representing the Russian Ice Stars at Amman’s Cultural Palace on November 27 and 28, performing a new adaptation of the fantasy adventure.

The event is sponsored by Friends of Jordan Festivals (FJF), an organisation dedicated to promoting culture and the performing arts in Jordan. 

Tickets are available at FJF’s booth in TAJ Mall and online at www.sajilni.com.  

“Peter Pan”, a 1911 book by J.M. Barrie, is a classic tale about a boy who “won’t grow up”, encompassing everything from Tinker Bell’s fairy dust, learning to fly, the evil ways of Captain Hook and the magic of Neverland.

The performance, titled “Peter Pan on Ice” will feature “stunning choreographed dancing and fight scenes”, “a spinning fire hula hoopist, aerial rope tricks... original music and a selection of talented skaters”, according to an FJF statement. 

“There is even a break-dancing crocodile,” the statement said.
Kazakova said the company’s message to the audience is simply for them to “enjoy life”.

“To me, the main emotional impact of the performer is to bring positive emotions to the audience,” she told The Jordan Times in an e-mail interview.

The performer stressed that pure entertainment is important to give audiences a break from the turmoil in the region and the world, and that art need not take a political stance. 

“It is very upsetting to see the images broadcast daily on our screens. We hope we can bring a little joy and many, many happier images and memories to the region,” she said.

Kazakova added that while competitive skating and performance skating “differ in a creative way”, she finds both “interesting and challenging”.

This visit will be her second to the Kingdom, she said, voicing hope that Jordanians will be encouraged to participate in theatre, as well as to consider the sport of ice skating.

“Theatre, like ice skating, is a wonderful way to express yourself, to be creative. That said, we would be very proud if we inspire a Jordanian to take up competitive skating. We will keep our eyes open in the next Olympics.”