For those who don’t know, the Grimm brothers are the authors of the famous book
The singing and interluding folk songs often detract from the enticement of the narrative
This play takes an interesting step away from the norm, using both live music and movement in it’s performance. It switches between lengthy monologues, told in a fairy-story style as it tries to take the women’s lives into that realm, along with classic theatrical dialogue. The live guitar backing adds an enchanting element to the scenes, heightening the tension or softening the mood where it is needed. The singing and interluding folk songs, though, perhaps stretch a little too far, often detracting from the enticement of the narrative.
The highlight is certainly when the women come forward to tell their own fairy tales. The stage takes on a magical atmosphere, with the women using large movements partnered with the music to bring the story to life in a new way. This very visual way of performing is enhanced by the fact that the stage is viewed from three angles. Although it can be confusing during the monologues, the more physical scenes saw the actors use the entirety of the room to try to immerse the audience into the experience.
The play’s three actors take on multiple roles, slipping into each with ease, with obvious transitions only between scenes, making for little confusion as to who’s who.
It is always empowering to see a show that lets women and feminism take the front seat, but disappointing to see it take place in such a small venue. The strong actors easily bring the stage to life, embracing the musical and ‘fairy tale’ element of the play but as well bringing a new, feminist twist to the writing of the Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Such an original show deserves more credit, an imaginative step forward in helping the “women of this world grow back their hands”.
