Many Voices, One Story
MANY VOICES, ONE STORY explores various world versions of the classic Cinderella-type tale with the hopes of celebrating cultural differences while unifying women in their own journeys of hardship, toil and transformation.
The project began as the spoken word piece “Four Voices, One Story”, which creator Kristin Ward originally wrote and directed for the Pittsburgh Fringe Festival in 2016. Presented as a scripted reading, the piece combined movement and spoken word storytelling to highlight four world versions of the traditional Cinderella-type tale as told in alternation by women of corresponding backgrounds.
“Many Voices, One Story” performers Christina McNeese, Anjali Soi, Sarah McKee and Kristin Ward answer audience questions after a performance in March 2018. Photo courtesy of Marcel Walker.
In Spring 2018, thanks to a Project Stream Grant, Ms. Ward was able to further develop the stories and script. The ensemble performed the new edition of the script for women at POWER, an organization for women in recovery, as well as for the public at Pittsburgh’s Union Project. Insights from the talkbacks that followed these presentations, including attendees’ own stories of toil and transformation, have added to the project’s growth. Readings and workshop presentations are currently available while the project moves forward in the development of a One Act play centered around these themes.
READ about the project’s origin
“Regardless of the interpretation, the Cinderella stories examine the test of the human spirit. “Yeh-Shen,” “Chinye,” “Nyasha,” “Rough-Face Girl,” and “Cenerentola” all successfully move from victim to heroine because of their goodness and innocence. Jealousy and cruelty are repeatedly punished. Cinderella reminds us that compassion and sensitivity will be rewarded.”
http://www.edenvalleyenterprises.org/blhrc/educational/cindtour/world.html