Reviews
The Post and Courier
Spoleto Today
June 6, 1999Tale of "Vasalisa" fascinates audience
by Brenda RindgePamella O'Connor calls the story of "Vasalisa" the perfect tale. A part of Piccolo Spoleto's theatre series, the Russian version of "Cinderella" has it all - the pretty heroine, the wicked step-family, good triumphing over evil and, in the end, a lesson is learned.
In the story, the young Vasalisa is given a magic doll by her dying mother. After her father remarries, the girl's wicked step-mother and step-sisters send her into the woods in search of fire to keep them warm. The doll guides Vasalisa as she encounters the wicked witch, Baba Yaga, and wins her favor, returning with a flame that becomes the undoing of her step-family. In the process, Vasalisa learns to trust herself.
"There are two lessons," O'Connor says. "First, we should practice listening to the voice inside us because that's our fire. And second, mean, jealous, petty people might just get burnt."
The middle-aged O'Connor, who wrote, produced and performs the one-woman play, exudes youth with her auburn hair pulled up and wearing a black T-shirt, black overalls and pink Converse high-top tennis shoes.
Both the puppeteer and storyteller, she seems like a young girl having fun playing with dolls as she narrates the play, changing her voice for each character.
O'Connor says she researched several versions of the play in coming up with her own interpretation. She designed everything herself, right down to the props, set and rod puppets, which are made of objects that have been found.
The College of Charleston's Theatre 220, in the Simons Center at the School of the Arts, provides a perfect intimate setting for the play, where O'Connor seemingly makes eye contact with every member of the audience.
The audience included members from about 2 years old to senior citizens, but during the show, which lasted less than an hour, everyone sat captivated.
After the show, O'Connor invited youngsters to "say hello to the puppets" and ask questions, which many children did, crowding the table that serves as the stage to stroke the puppet Vasalisa and her doll inquiring about the materials used and how O'Connor changes her voice. Even adults stopped by to tell her how fascinated they were and ask about her inspiration.
"Vasalisa" is what Piccolo is all about: good, affordable, family-oriented entertainment.
The show is also scheduled for 10 a.m. performances today and Saturday and 4 p.m. shows Monday through Friday.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children under 12. Seating is general admission.
A portion of the theater offers an obstructed view of the show, so it is a good idea to arrive early.
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