Second-grade students at Brentwood Elementary School of Performing Arts recently presented their own interpretation of Cinderella, entitled Simone and the Evil Step Sisters, during a special 'informance' at the school.
Held in the school's black box theater, the 'informance' - a term faculty came up with to designate an event that showcases the process of what the students have been learning in the classroom - was the culmination of the students' literature analysis of Cinderella.
During their study of Cinderella, students learned there are more than 1,500 versions of the classic tale around the world. Students read and discussed several versions of the story, including Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe (an African interpretation), Yen-Shen by Ai-Ling Louie (Chinese), Domitila by Jewell Coburn (Mexican) and Egyptian Cinderella by Shirley Climo.
After studying many variations, as well as attending a performance of Cinderella at the University of North Florida, all second-grade students participated in a writer's workshop to create their own version. Students added dance, music and drama, working collaboratively with their arts teachers to bring their script to life on stage.
For the informance, students were involved in every process. Props and backdrops were designed and created beforehand. During the live show, some students worked behind the scenes to adjust the lighting, sound and scene changes, while others created dramatic sound effects for the actors. Students even worked together to create animated characters for the programs that were distributed to all audience members.
The students' version of Cinderella was similar to the popular story many are familiar with, but had certain variations that made it unique. During Simone and the Evil Step Sisters, Simone is given a magic pearl to call on her Fairy Godmother anytime she needs her. Prince Neoke, who is looking for a princess, invites the town to his tribal dance. After learning her two evil stepsisters destroyed her dress, Simone uses her magic pearl to contact her Fairy Godmother. Once she arrives, Simone is given a new dress and dazzling pearl earrings. During the dance, after a romantic encounter with the prince, Simone loses one of her pearl earrings, which the prince finds. Later in the story, the prince and Simone are reunited once he matches the pearl earring he found to Simone’s.
Drama teachers Ms. Endich and Mrs. Williams, second-grade lead teacher Ms. Clarkson, as well as music teacher Mrs. Pfisterer and art teacher Mrs. Whitehead, assisted students with research, writing and production of the program.
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