The classic tale of 'Snow White' is about to take a twisted turn. No dwarves, no technicolour... Instead, a lot of hard-hitting themes and the addition of operatic music.
La Boite Theatre, in conjunction with Opera Queensland and Brisbane Festival, are injecting a syringe full of darkness into the well-known story about the girl in the woods who meets seven dwarves.
Their version is more focused on the original Grimm tale, and presents audiences with some confronting new thoughts, ideas and expressions.
Steph Pickett, who plays Snow White, answered some questions about the production.
Image © Dylan EvansThis version of 'Snow White' looks quite dark... Could you tell us a bit about how it will "upend fairy-tale expectations"?
The inspiration for retelling the story is to highlight the themes within the fairytale into the modern contemporary world, as they are still very relevant. For example – the obsession with beauty and vanity as well as the pressure within mother-daughter relationships. Our version is “cabaret-dark-noir-musical theatre”. It has a Spiegeltent, handcrafted, festival vibe about it and is very physical.
Does the music in this production differ from the original music? Are there new songs?
Yes, all the music and lyrics are totally new. The music is composed by ARIA Award winning musician and composer Zulya Kamalova. She’s Russian and based in Melbourne. The music is eclectic with beautifully interwoven harmonies. Our Librettist (playwright) Suzie Miller brings a modern take to the traditional fairytale through her writing and lyrical choices.
You're playing Snow White... Is she a complex character to play? Why/why not?
Snow White is a complex character, as an audience member, you can see the damage being done through each character’s fixation on power (including her own).
What got you into wanting to be a part of this? Do you have a love for the original story?
I performed under my alter ego Ella Fence last year at Brisbane Festival and the dramaturge for the play Glyn Roberts approached me after my show and asked if I’d heard about it and if I’d like to audition. It seemed very left of centre for me, as my sole focus was on my own solo indie-pop project, however taking on the role has been an incredible professional development.
What has been your biggest challenge surrounding this production up to this point?
The biggest challenge is probably management of my time and energy in a new environment. I’m working on new music with a songwriter/producer Vinnie Laduce down in Byron Bay at the moment, with a single release in October, so balancing that process while learning new music and preparing for the role has been a challenge.
There are countless re-imaginings of this classic story... What separates this one from the rest?
Our version is very much an event, an experience. It’s unique in the way it entertains the audience. The set design is so fascinating; I can’t wait to start rehearsing on the main stage with it. Director Lindy Hume is well known for her forward thinking and intricate attention to detail, so the audience will really be taken on a journey with this story. Our version is different to the Disney version, and relates closer to the original Grimm’s Brothers tale, their folktales were all very dark with a lot of underlying messages within.
You're a musical artist at heart. How, for you, does performing on a stage theatrically differ from performing musically?
There are so many similarities that I’ve brought across to this role. Music and Theatre are both about telling stories, entertaining, connecting with people, asking questions, pushing boundaries. It has been amazing learning about all the different elements behind the making of a show (direction, composition, drama, lighting, staging etc.); skills that I can bring back to my own performances.
Steph Pickett, aka Ella Fence - Image © Dylan EvansYou only get one word to describe this show. Go.
Breathtaking.
Why did you choose that word?
There are several elements that will take your breath away in this show, and for different reasons. Thriller, heartbreak, deception… Not to mention the breathtaking costumes and set design!
Why should people come to see 'Snow White'?
This production asks really important questions about society that will relate to every single individual in the room.
'Snow White' plays at La Boite from 3-24 September.
