Local emerging artists perform retelling of Red Riding Hood

Local emerging artists perform tongue-in-cheek retelling of Red Riding Hood

There was a time when women were stay-at-home mothers, little girls played with dolls and fathers disappeared every day to work. Towards the end of the twentieth century came equality, allowing women to be like the men and go out to work, while also continuing with the household chores.

Once upon a time there was a little girl called Red Riding Hood who lived happily in the forest with her mother. She liked to visit her grandmother and always did as she was told. At least that’s how the traditional story goes. Sarah Delahunty, renown New Zealand playwright and director, has created a parable about feminism through the medium of the traditional fairy story with her play ‘Eating the Wolf’.

One day Grandma has an epiphany, questioning her lot in life she takes control of her own destiny. Red Riding Hood’s mother remaining steadfast in her idealised stereotype role thinks Grandma has gone soft in the heard and dispatches Red Riding Hood to take her grandmother some cake and custard.

As Red Riding Hood traverses to Grandma’s house, she meets a devious and cunning wolf who comes up with an evil plan involving the consumption of the grandmother and Red Riding Hood. Grandma and Red Riding Hood stray off the known path and stumble on unexpected encounters as they journey into the forest. Along the way they meet fairy tale heroines such as Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Rose Red and the Princess and the Frog as well as first generation feminists.

This exciting and challenging play is presented by The Production Co, a theatre company of emerging young artists and early career performers dedicated to producing work that speaks to, inspires and provokes discussion. ‘Eating the Wolf’ not only fits the bill, but does so in a most entertaining manner.

Directed by local drama teacher, Sheridan Hickey, the cast of eleven young adults have enjoyed exploring many familiar fairy tales beyond the one dimensional view of a woman centred fairy tale.

ENDS

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