Cinderella Takes Stage This Month With a Twist
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
The enchanting tale of Cinderella will be staged by the Korea National Ballet Company (KNBC) this month.
The modern ballet, choreographed by Jean-Christophe Maillot, was one of the most successful and popular performances by the dance troupe last year.
Instead of graceful twirls and spins, Maillot's ``Cinderella'' will bring more dynamic moves, from pointed footwork to running and jumping.
The basic storyline is not much different from the original: Cinderella is bullied by her step mother and two step sisters, while Prince Charming is in search of the beautiful maiden who left him during a ball at midnight.
Maillot, however, gives the old tale a twist by adding more texture to the stage, more personality to the characters and a bit of humor to every little movement and facial expression.
First of all, the choreographer focuses on Cinderella's mother and father, offering a moment of romance between the two. Their appearance actually starts with a beautiful and lengthy kiss. The ill mother dies in her husband's arms, but returns as a beautiful fairy dressed in a corset who continuously looks after her lonely daughter from start to finish.
The stepmother and two step sisters also get several moments of their own, dressed in skeletal and pointy, dark-colored outfits. While the three evil characters are usually not in the spotlight in most fairy tale versions, Maillot brings them to center stage, offering a comical yet dynamic sequence. Of course, the three characters do their best to bully Cinderella ― kicking, sitting upon and leaving her isolated on the bare stage. Last year, the stepmother played by ballerina Yun Hye-jin received critical acclaim for her humorous facial expressions and excellent footwork, while the two sisters also drew laughter from the audience with their comical acting.
Cinderella is still portrayed as the charming and beautiful maiden everyone loves, but her wardrobe is completely different. Instead of puffy sleeves, and pink and white tutus, imagine a young girl dressed in a willowy white nightgown, barefoot. Some may find it peculiar to have the famous character barefoot from start to finish, but Maillot brings his brilliant creativity to the stage.
As her fairy godmother prepares her for the ball, Cinderella's feet and ankles are dipped into a large bowl of sparkling sequin dust, leaving them to shine and sparkle throughout the performance.
Another interesting feature is the stage. Maillot brings a complete different image of what Cinderella represents. While other works include soft, pale colors and texture, Maillot's ``Cinderella'' will be presented on an edgier stage.
The overall area is barren and empty, with no fancy ornaments such as a pumpkin carriage or a fireplace in sight. Left are large white panels that move around to divide the stage, and simple props that simply help the viewer understand the story, such as chairs and tables.
At one point, Cinderella dances alone under the moonlight, with the white panels projecting elaborate handwriting on the stage.
At the end of the performance, Cinderella finally meets her Prince and the two kiss standing on top of a shaky stairway panel.
Thanks to his experience of playing the piano for more than 15 years as a child, Maillot manages to bring an astounding work that perfectly complements the music of Serge Prokofiev.
For those looking for more than just graceful movements and music, ``Cinderella'' will certainly be a breath of fresh air.
``Cinderella'' will be on stage at Seoul Arts Center from Jan. 29 to 31. Tickets cost from 5,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, visit www.kballet.org.