Cinderella

Summary

The play by Yevgeny Schwartz, "Cinderella," is an adaptation of the well-known fairy tale about a poor girl who, with the help of a kind fairy and her own goodness, attends the royal ball where she meets the prince. In this version, Cinderella lives with her stepmother and two stepsisters who make her do all the housework. Despite the hardships, she remains kind and optimistic. The fairy godmother helps Cinderella get to the ball by turning a pumpkin into a carriage and giving her a beautiful dress and glass slippers. At the ball, Cinderella captivates the prince but must leave before midnight, leaving behind one of her slippers. The prince, smitten with Cinderella, searches the kingdom, trying the slipper on every girl. Eventually, he finds Cinderella, and they happily reunite.

Main Ideas

• The power of kindness and compassion: Cinderella, despite all the hardships and injustices, maintains her kindness and compassion, which ultimately leads her to happiness.
• Overcoming adversity: Cinderella's story shows how one can overcome life's challenges and injustices through inner strength and the support of friends.
• Magic and miracles: Magical elements, such as the fairy godmother, play a crucial role in the tale, helping Cinderella change her fate.
• Social justice: The story raises questions of social justice and shows that true values are not dependent on social status.
• Love and hope: Love and hope are the driving forces that help Cinderella believe in a better future and strive for it.

Historical Context and Significance

Yevgeny Schwartz's play "Cinderella" is an adaptation of Charles Perrault's classic fairy tale, reworked to align with Soviet cultural and ideological norms. Schwartz, known for his theatrical fairy tales, created a work that combines elements of magic and realism, characteristic of his style. Unlike the original tale, Schwartz's version emphasizes social justice and collectivism, which were relevant to Soviet society. The play became popular in theaters and made a significant contribution to the development of Soviet children's literature and theater, offering audiences not only entertainment but also moral guidance. It also helped strengthen the fairy tale genre in Soviet dramaturgy, demonstrating how classic plots can be adapted to reflect contemporary social and cultural values.

Interesting Facts

• Yevgeny Schwartz's play "Cinderella" is an adaptation of Charles Perrault's classic fairy tale, but with unique elements characteristic of Schwartz's work, such as satirical and philosophical motifs.
• In Schwartz's version, Cinderella is portrayed not only as a kind and hardworking girl but also as a smart and resourceful heroine, distinguishing her from the classic image.
• Schwartz added new characters and expanded the roles of secondary characters, such as the fairy and the king, giving the story additional depth and humor.
• The play was written in 1946 and quickly gained popularity in Soviet theaters due to its wit and relevance.
• Unlike many other adaptations, Schwartz's play features a strong element of social satire, mocking the bureaucracy and social norms of the time.

Book Review

Yevgeny Schwartz's play "Cinderella" is one of the most famous and beloved adaptations of the classic fairy tale. Critics note that Schwartz managed to infuse the traditional plot with elements of satire and irony, making his work unique and relevant for different generations. Unlike the original fairy tale, the characters in Schwartz's play are more complex and multifaceted, and the dialogues are filled with wit and subtle humor. Special attention is given to the character of Cinderella, who is portrayed not only as a victim of circumstances but also as a strong, determined individual capable of fighting for her happiness. Critics also highlight Schwartz's skill in creating vivid and memorable secondary characters, such as the stepmother and sisters, who add depth and dynamism to the plot. Overall, Yevgeny Schwartz's "Cinderella" is considered a classic of Soviet dramaturgy, remaining relevant and in demand on theatrical stages.