Born of a Fairytale

Marcia rates it:

Do not miss Born of a Fairytale. It simply rocks with intensity, sheer enthusiasm, and creativity. This one woman show needs nothing more than a bare stage with stark white flats across the back, and simple blue lighting to tell her story in sign language, voice, dance and pantomime. The story seems to explode from her, and it is a delightful feat in effort and energy, and though she is working hard, she does not wear us out.

In her red high tops and basing her story on fairytales, with happy endings, it is a joy to watch Eli Sibley’s show from beginning to end. Her story is complicated and weaves us through a labyrinth, as fairytales do, that has as many pitfalls as moments of ecstasy, along the way. Her continual rescue and subsequent disappointment cycle is compelling; but the look on her face at the end of her pantomime of a woman giving birth, and then having her baby taken from her and given away by her scheming husband, will break your heart.

She does not stop where most fairytales end with “happily ever after,” but shows us how life often goes awry and out of control. And no matter what happens if you just keep trying you’ll eventually find what you want, however, when you do will you still want it, or can you hold on to it? Through the entire journey,, our storyteller is well connected with her audience, she keeps us engaged and following her every move, though painful at times, we are glad to join her.

Ms. Sibley, both creator and performer, has put together an amazing show with Pauline S. Grossman as choreographer, and Carrie Klewin as director. It is a truly inventive collection of ideas, experiences and motion. I recommend you see her show while there’s still time; you’ll be glad you did.
Born of a Fairytale
by Eli Sibley
Directed by Carrie Klewin
Produced by Eli Sibley
Reviewed by Marcia Kirtland