Classic fairy tales are reimagined in Once Upon a Time … Or Two, an English-language adaptation of a French play about three children who go on a treasure hunt in the woods – armed with the latest technological gadgets.
Staged by Dubai's Culture Emulsion and the French Company Incendies, the 60-minute musical for kids, which is at Ductac this weekend, boasts key scenes from 17th-century French author Charles Perrault's versions of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Puss in Boots and Sleeping Beauty, adapted to reflect the digital age we live in. The music is composed by Charles Snachez.
“We had the idea to make this a modern, fast-paced comedy,” says Laurent Jacques, one of the actors, who also co-wrote the play. “But we also wanted it to be motivational for children, who must learn to be responsible for their actions. Using these famous tales, we have the three [main] characters thrown into humorous and challenging situations – and they have to figure their way out.”
• Once Upon a Time …Or Two is at Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, on Friday (French), and Saturday (English), at 10.30am and 2pm. Tickets cost Dh145 and are available at www.ductac.org.
