This play is adapted from the Grimm fairy tale, Snow White. Without deviating from the guiding principle of the 「prince and princess live happily ever after,」 this play seeks to elucidate the value of 「self-sacrifice for the good of others.」 In the play, Snow White was granted a wish before she died...Read more
This play is adapted from the Grimm fairy tale, Snow White. Without deviating from the guiding principle of the 「prince and princess live happily ever after,」 this play seeks to elucidate the value of 「self-sacrifice for the good of others.」 In the play, Snow White was granted a wish before she died. Instead of saving her own life, she made a wish that all seven dwarves could grow tall. When the seven dwarves did grow to full size, they were overjoyed. But their excitement was muted when they learned that Snow White was fading away. Suppose they gave up the opportunity to grow to full size, then Snow White would be saved. With much struggle and debate, the dwarves reached a unanimous consensus to give up their wished-for height to save Snow White. Princess Snow White was resurrected not because of a loving kiss from a prince, but from the noble sacrifice of the seven dwarves. There is profound meaning in their overcoming selfishness and sacrificing their dreams.
This play was written and directed by Zhong Chuan-xing. It won the first prize for Best Script at the Children's Traditional Arts Festival, 1999. The chou (comic characters) played the dwarves with their solid training in portraying short people. With specially designed wooden clogs, they climbed seven apple trees, creating a dramatic swaying effect. Adorable rabbits, golden orioles, and a tune that sounds like a nursery rhyme made this play a repeatedly stage favorite, winning critical acclaim.
Category | Xiqu(Traditional Opera) |
Type | Taiwanese Opera |
Chinese Title | 森林七矮人 |
Group | Jing-Ju Opera Troupe of National Taiwan College of Performing Arts |
Creative staff | Jing-Ju Opera Troupe of National Taiwan College of Performing Arts |
Subtitle | Mandarin Chinese |
Premiere | 1999 |
Venue | Novel Hall for performing arts,Taipei |
Duration | 102min |
Image Source | Jing-Ju Opera Troupe of National Taiwan College of Performing Arts |
Other Works | Rashomon Ghostdom River |