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written and directed by Andreja Kovac

Poetry in Motion, Toronto Fringe Festival,

Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace, Toronto

July 8-16, 2011

Slovenian  writer Andreja Kovac’s solo puppet show for performer Ivana Matuzović reveals that no one is happy after the “happy ending” in Cinderella. Cinderella’s stepsisters and stepmother moan about Cinderella’s new wealth and plan to kill her. Meanwhile the princess feels stifled by the court and becomes a prostitute in Las Vegas. Matuzović manipulates shoes to represent the step-family and periodically uses a puppet as Cinderella. Yet, it all feels awkward rather than magical. The show lacks humour and doesn’t even follow dream logic in linking its scenes. Kovac has the glum Matuzović  repeat the same gestures and dialogue so slowly and so often, it seems she’s trying to stretch out one measly idea to fill up the time.

©Christopher Hoile

Note: A version of this review appeared in NOW Magazine, July 14, 2011.

Photo: Ivana Matuzović. ©2011.

For tickets, visit www.fringetoronto.com.