The finished line-up for my first project: The Gruffalo
Its 1925. In Paris, the Ballet Russes are revolutionising the classical ballet world with Avant guard performances of Eastern folktales and stories. All across Europe, western audiences are learning of Orientalism and the romanticism of the East. In America, the Ziegfeld follies are bringing the French cabaret to New York, with their chorus line of folly girls.
Following the end of the First World war the western world was thriving in an Economical boom, art music and frivolity were once again making headway after years of economic depression and utilitarian living.
Inspired by the Vanity Fair magazine covers of the 1910’s and 20’s the Gruffalo wanders the streets of Paris; crystalised in beadwork and glamor in new take on the children's classic.
Action
The woods are a scary place when you’re a Mouse; especially when animals keep trying to eat you. As three predators approach Mouse, each trying to lure them into their home Mouse uses their trickery to convince the animals that they are friends with a Gruffalo whose favourite food is the very animal that is currently trying to eat the mouse. Not wanting to be caught by the Gruffalo the animals run away into woods followed by the Mouse’s laughter. How silly are they? Theres no such thing as a Gruffalo!
This was until Mouse bumped into the Gruffalo deep in the woods.
It was then that Mouse led Gruffalo through the woods once again bumping into all the animals they had seen before. With one look at the Gruffalo stood behind the mouse they all ran away in fear.
Tricked by the mouse and shocked by the predator’s reactions the Gruffalo too, runs in fear from the mouse thinking they are some great dangerous beast. Mouse is finally able to eat their nut in peace and safety.
The grey morality in the mouse’s character sets the story apart from traditional fairytales and children’s stories. Their survival instincts and tactics are the driving force of the play, even if they are a bit cocky about it.
Thematic Conclusions
Throughout the production the overall moral and theme of the story is that no matter your size you always have your brain. The Gruffalo’s story is about problem solving and thinking outside the box in order to deal with bullies. The story also has elements of building a friendship with the Gruffalo and Mouse becoming friends for a brief period, even if it was part of Mouse’s deceitful plot for peace.
