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Comment
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mlaw181
Registered User
(12/19/01 9:37:36 am)
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Into the Woods
I am new to this group and have enjoyed reading your comments. I am directing Steven Sondheim's "Into the Woods" with a very talented group of high school students. The actors are working on characterizations, and I am looking for sources for English translations of the original texts (Jack, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Ridinghood).
I thought that Sondheim had modernized the stories, but it appears that he returned to the earliest versions and emphasized the more disturbing aspects found there. I would like to know more about the historical context in which these tales were created and wondered if any of you have sources for that or would like to add your thoughts.
Thanks in advance for your help.
~Margot Law
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Heidi
Anne Heiner
ezOP
(12/19/01 9:55:33 am)
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Re: Into the Woods
Margot,
There are not really "originals" per se of the tales, but some of the earliest English translations of the tales are available in Peter and Iona Opie's "The Classic Fairy Tale." The book also has one-two page introductions to each tale which will be great for discussing the history with high school students.
Of course, there is also my site which discusses some of the changes. The link to SurLaLune is at the top of the page.
Also, I was surprised to see a post titled "Into the Woods" on the board this morning when I signed on. I was planning on creating one myself! I will just borrow this one and say that a large scale production is being produced here in LA in February and March, starring Vanessa Williams. For more information, go to www.taperahmanson.com if you are interested or live in the area.
Heidi
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mlaw181
Registered User
(12/21/01 7:50:27 pm)
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Re: Into the Woods
Heidi,
Thank you so much for your response. Unfortunately, I am in Massachusetts, and so will have to wait for ITW to come to NY later in the year. This is Sondheim's 75th birthday year (2002) and there are many special events planned, including the new production of ITW. It has been a joy to watch Vanessa Williams grow and I will be interested to see what she does with a role that was defined by Sondheim's favorite Ms. Peters.
I will get a copy of the Opie's book. Thanks so much for the lead. Your website has already been quoted to my students and, at our first rehearsal, I encouraged them to explore it further themselves. Thanks again for your help. ~Margot
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Kerrie
Registered User
(12/22/01 7:27:12 am)
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Re: Into the Woods
Margot,
You mentioned you're from MA- have you checked the Minuteman Library Network?
www.mln.lib.ma.us/index.htm
If you do a search for fairy tales English translations and one of the titles, there are some books available (not sure which would interest you). If you aren't in the network (Eastern MA), let me know and I can see what I can borrow for you.
Sugarplum dreams,
Kerrie
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