Cinderella –the most enchanting fairy tale for this summer
The story of Cinderella has been told in one version or another in countries around the world. In the French version by Perrault, Cinderella had a godmother who was a fairy. She changed a pumpkin into a beautiful coach, six mice into six mouse-gray horses, a large rat into a fat mustachioed coachman and gave her a pair of glass slippers.
In the German version by the Grimm brothers, Cinderella, who was called Ash Maiden, was dressed for the feast by birds who lived in a hazel tree. The King’s feast lasted three days and each day the birds provided a dress that was more splendid and magnificent than the day before. The wicked stepsisters paid for the evil deeds with blindness that was to last the rest of their lives.
The earliest known tale which seems to be related to Cinderella was told nearly 1,200 years ago in the 9th century in China. Called Yu Yang Ts Tsu, it is about a girl called Yeh-hsien who makes friends with a fish. She feeds it and keeps it safe. One day, her wicked stepmother kills the fish and hides the bones. Yeh-hsien is very upset until a strange old man appears and tells her where to find the bones. He says that if she keeps them, the bones will grant her any wish she makes. Yeh-hsien wishes for lots of fine clothes and jewellery, but when she wears her new clothes to a ball, she is recognized by her stepmother and sister. As she runs off, she loses one of her shoes. The prince of a nearby kingdom finds the shoe and searches for the beautiful girl it belongs to. When he finds her, the prince makes Yeh-hsien his wife.
How about The Hong Kong Ballet’s version? It is choreographed by David Allan, who was praised by the New York Times as “a major talent who knows how to make a beautiful ballet” , with set and costume designs by Peter Cazalet and live orchestral accompaniment by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta under the baton of James Tuggle. The lead role of Cinderella will feature the Company's Principal Dancers Jin Yao, Kyoko Tomimura, and Guest Principal Dancer Faye Leung. Come and check it out for yourself this summer!
Cinderella will be performed at the Grand Theatre of Hong Kong Cultural Centre from 21 to 23 August 2009 (21-23.8 / 7:30pm ; 22-23.8 / 2:30pm). Prices range from HK$120 to HK$600 (HK$1000 VIP ticket). Tickets are available at all Urbtix outlets from 1 July (Tel. 2734 9009 / www.urbtix.hk). A range of fringe activities will go with the performance to enhance audience’s appreciation for this beautiful ballet, including a lecture demonstration on 4 August, pre-performance talk on 21 August and two pre-performance workshops especially for children on 22-23 August. For registration and enquiries, please call 2105 9724 or email to marketing@hkballet.com. Click here for more programme information.
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Photo: Conrad Dy-Liacco, Jimmy Chan
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