Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts

Cinderella
Few choreographers have managed to find such fresh and arresting ways of re-imagining the classic story ballet as James Kudelka. In his 2004 version of Cinderella, Kudelka has retained the distinctive features of the timeless fairy tale, but has brought to the fore the latent comedy and the subtly anarchic underpinnings of the narrative.

The result is a ballet both wildly colourful and physically inventive, riotously funny yet poignantly romantic, an enthralling confluence of theatre and dance. Taking full advantage of Prokofiev’s vibrant and suggestive score, which careens dizzily from farce to romance to satire, Kudelka’s consummate choreographic imagination, signature wit and psychological perceptiveness combine to locate new themes, perspectives and dramatic exuberance in one of the most beloved of all stories, without ever sacrificing its enduring traditional appeal. Less a conventional rags-to-riches fable, Kudelka’s version renews the story as an allegory of individual growth, understanding and change through the reconciling force of love.

The production features stunningly beautiful Érte-inspired sets and costumes by David Boechler and a wonderfully imaginative lighting design by Christopher Dennis that together form the perfect complement to Kudelka’s unique choreographic vision.