In the final programme of L’Été danse! this season, Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo stages Jean-Christophe Maillot’s interpretation of Cinderella, in which he takes a fresh look at this well-known fairy tale.
Putting a new twist on the story, Maillot turns the death of Cinderella’s mother into a positive force for her daughter’s life, at the same time taking a sidelong glance at the artificial society which surrounds the young girl.
Instead of Cinderella’s stepmother being cruel, and her stepsisters ugly and figures of fun, the three of them are worldly and seductive, using their charm to achieve their aims. There is no room in their home for dwelling on loss or the past.
Maillot introduces a new character to the story – a Fairy who guides Cinderella and removes her from the influence of her materialistic step-family. This Fairy is a reincarnation of Cinderella’s mother – Maillot drawing on the belief of how one who is no longer around can shape the future of those who are left behind.
In a further departure from the original story, instead of a glass slipper, Cinderella’s bare foot becomes the focus of the ballet, highlighting the natural simplicity of the young girl’s character.
Maillot’s Cinderella is set to Serge Prokofiev’s sumptuous score, played in this recorded version by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, led by David Garforth. The stage design is by Ernest Pignon-Ernest, costumes are by Jérome Kaplan and lighting by Dominique Drillot.
Performances take place on 18th, 19th and 20th July, 2023, at the Salle Garnier of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, where the ballet was premiered on 3rd April, 1999. For further information and reservations, visit Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo website.
All photographs © Alice Blangero
Information sourced from:
Les ballets de Monte-Carlo programme notes