TEHRAN –Iranian director Maryam Kazemi plans to restage English playwright David Wood’s children musical play “Cinderella” at Tehran’s Honar Hall on Friday. 

Ali Forutan, Hamid Goli, Hooman Rahnamun, Parisa Falahzadeh, Nazanin Safa, Mehrad Zamani, Nasim Amir Khosrow, and Narges Safamanesh are the main members of the cast for the play, which will remain on stage until November 11. 

A group of talented teenage actors will also be involved in the performance. 

Hossein Fadai-Hossein is the translator of the play, originally published in 1981.

David Wood’s “Cinderella” is a retelling of the classic fairy tale with a modern twist. The British playwright is well-known for his adaptations of children's stories.

The story follows Cinderella, a young girl who is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. Despite their cruelty, Cinderella remains kind and hopeful. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, she is able to attend the royal ball and meet Prince Charming. However, she must leave just before midnight, leaving only a glass slipper behind.

Wood's version of Cinderella highlights the importance of kindness and perseverance. Cinderella is not just a damsel in distress waiting for a prince to rescue her. She takes charge of her own life and chooses to be kind, even when others are not. She remains hopeful and believes that someday things will get better.

The musical is designed to be entertaining for the whole family. The humor is also tailored to appeal to both kids and adults.

One of the highlights of the play is its positive message. It inspires children to be kind and to never give up hope, even in the face of adversity. It also promotes the idea that true love is about more than just appearances, and that the worth of a person lies in their character and actions.

The play is a timeless story that teaches important values to children. The book by David Wood is well-written and captures the spirit of the original fairytale while modernizing it for a new generation.

Wood's plays are renowned for their imaginative storytelling, vibrant characters, and engaging themes. He has a unique ability to create magical worlds on stage, transporting audiences into fantastical realms where anything is possible. His works often incorporate elements of adventure, humor, and moral lessons, making them both entertaining and educational for young viewers.

One of Wood's most notable works is his adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved novel, "The BFG" (Big Friendly Giant). This play, like many of his others, has been widely performed and received critical acclaim for its faithful representation of the original story and its ability to capture the essence of Dahl's whimsical writing style.

In addition to his adaptations, Wood has also written original plays that have become beloved classics in their own right.
He has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Entertainment for his play "The Tiger Who Came to Tea." His plays have been performed in prestigious venues such as the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft.

SAB/