The age-old rags-to-riches story of Grimm’s Cinderella is one that needs little explanation: a simple tale of a person caught in an unfortunate situation, and who then rises above her circumstances to see the desires of her heart materialized in reality. I Theatre’s Ashputtel – The Story of Cinderella is an updated, yet faithful re-telling of the classic.
From the moment that we are introduced to Ashputtel and and her abusive adoptive family, we are drawn into the alarming juxtaposition between them. She first encounters her Prince in a chance meeting, and even in that moment, one quickly warms to the fact that he is her destiny and she is his. I would have preferred to see the main characters more fully developed, nonetheless, there is no room for moral ambiguity here – we are immediately compelled to choose whose side we are on, and we are completely at ease with that.
The production’s seamless scene transitions, quick costume changes and dynamic imagery help to keep the story-telling tight and well-paced throughout the 55 minute duration. Kids will be happily surprised by the interactive elements and the interjections of everyday humour that are executed with impeccable timing. Not to mention the singing and dancing that calls our attention to both the light-hearted and more poignant moments in the story.
Younger kids, who sometimes find it difficult to separate fantasy from reality, will be engaged from start to finish by the lively sequences, outlandish characters and finally, the notion that good triumphs over evil. Older audiences will appreciate how the story touches lightly on the more complex themes like social class, injustice, goodness and love. All in all, an impressive rendition of a timeless classic that has a wide appeal to audiences both young and old.
Ashputtel – The Story of Cinderella by I Theatre is showing at the Alliance Française Theatre till 17 November 2012. For ticket bookings, please refer to the Sistic website.
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GDS and I Theatre are giving away Family Packs for the performance of Ashputtel – The Story of Cinderella to TWO lucky winners! Click here to enter for your chance to win!
