The Scottish Ballet has cast a male to play Cinderella interchangeably with a female performer in its latest production, Cinders, a twist on the classic fairytale..The audience won’t know if the lead will be played by a man or woman before the curtain opens — some nights Cinderella will have her feminine form, other evenings Cinderella will be… a fella. .The Scottish Ballet said it was “breaking with tradition” and implemented a “charming twist to the tale” to “surprise and delight audiences.”.“On some nights the lead character of Cinders will be a woman, swept off her feet by her Prince, and on others, Cinders will be a man, swept off his feet by his Princess!” the website reads. .“Audiences will discover which ‘Cinders’ they will experience on the night when the curtain rises.”.Bruno Michiardi, the ballet’s principal dancer, said the “fluidity” has made the ballet feel “different” and “new.”.“What I’ve found most interesting about the fluidity of the roles of the Cinders leads is just how different and new it’s made the ballet feel,” he said. “We all know and love the classic story of Cinderella, but this new version means we’re suddenly working in this amazing upside-down realm, where the male part (previously a more traditionally stoic character) is a complex mixture of vulnerability and resilience, and the female role (usually quite timid and downtrodden for most of the original ballet) is empowered and full of charisma.”.“Cinders will be everything audiences adore about the enchanted fairytale,” the website reads, “made sparkling, fresh and new.” .Jessica Fyfe, guest principal dancer, also expressed her enthusiasm for the new “fluidity.”.“Cinders for me personally has been very exhilarating,” she said. “To give this new fluidity to the leading roles means exploring ways in which the character Cinders, traditionally the ‘poor’ Cinderella, can be a person of grit, determination and strength, which ultimately leads to them creating their own happy ending.”.“I hope the audience enjoys this new twist on a beautiful classic, which now highlights how anyone can have a hand at shaping their own future. It’s not just for fairytales.”.Christopher Hampson, CEO and artistic director, said he is “delighted to be bringing this fresh approach to such a well-known fairytale.”
