FLASH #26 – CINDERELLA TRANSFORMED
JBA’s CINDERELLA was (and is) truly a ‘dream’ of a ballet and the majestic setting of the Antwerp Handelsbeurs with its architectural splendor lent itself perfectly to the incredible 3D mapping effects designed by the Cin&Art team in 2023. The decor of the wealthy home in which Cinders grew up and where she was treated cruelly by her step-family as well as the sumptuous castle where she met her prince and lived happily afterwards, were both conjured up by means of technological ingenuity.
Now, two and a half years on, a transformation is necessary for our heroine’s story to travel far and wide throughout the land. One which won’t be performed in the vast ballroom of a castle but on the stage of smaller theaters and cultural centra. A new setting but one, surely no less beautiful. After co-choreographers Altea Nuñez & Alain Honorez had adapted the scenography it was up to the lighting and special effects’ designers to start the makeover as their work entails months of preparation.
Tibaut Coppens (Cin&Art): “We aimed to achieve similar effects but now using 2D mapping (two dimensional) instead of the original 3D. By employing a transparent gauze curtain at the back of the stage, we can project onto it while still giving space for the dancers and the storytelling behind it. Our special effects will be similar to the original though on a smaller scale.”
Working in conjunction with Spanish lighting wizard Gloria Montesinos who returns to Antwerp after her brilliant work on FURORE & JAMES, the entire plan should highlight the intimacy of the characters’ acting and beauty of the dancing.
Altea Nuñez (portraying the role of the stepmother): “As a performer the theater is my true home. Lovely as the Handelsbeurs was as a setting, the proximity of the audience to the stage somehow intruded on the intimacy of the fantasy world we created. Regarding dramaturgy/choreography, I found that many acting and dancing details paled into insignificance on the huge stage; in a theater and under the right lighting these will be highlighted and will help the audience to become truly involved in the story”.
JBA’s Letizia Austoni (dancing the role of Cinderella): “I never saw the original production which is perhaps a good thing. I am able now to create the role and bring Cinderella to life as I see her: a girl with a mind over her own, strong yet sweet-natured whose memories of her mother remain very intense. Alain and Altea have explained (to me and Maho, the other Cinderella) what the meaning and intention is of every movement but are giving us the guided freedom to explore the gestures & emotions. This way what we choose to do comes naturally and is never a fixed choreographic decision.”
With the theater premiere coming up, the transformed version of CINDERELLA promises to be just as enchanting, original and even more moving than before.
CINDERELLA, hetpaleis Antwerp May 30 & 31 and June 1, 2025.