Ahead of Snow White: The Sacrifice coming to Northern Stage at the end of October, we went behind the scenes with Director Liv Lorent to find out more about this enchanting adaptation and what we can expect from the show.
How does this adaptation differ from the story of Snow White that we all know?
There is so much to love in the original Grimm version that we have retained many of the elements of the origin story, such as Snow White’s nemesis being her real mother, not her stepmother. I love the story because it continues to be relevant and in its devastating revelations of human weaknesses, and also our courage and resilience.
What is a moment in the show that you’re excited for audiences to see?
The performers are outstanding! I think that there are some incredibly memorable scenes that are heart thumping, such as the Huntsman in the woods with Snow White chasing an animal to slaughter it to bring back a heart so that the Queen has proof her daughter has been killed. The Queen eating the heart is pretty memorable too!
How do Carol Ann Duffy’s words contribute towards the magic of the show?
I love collaborating with a female writer who like me is horrified by the very worst savagery a mother can take, and what can drive the Queen in Snow White to such cruelty. Carol Ann Duffy is an extraordinary collaborator whose words marry beautifully with Murray Gold’s amazing music and together they weave an intense emotional punch to accompany the very beautiful images onstage. As an eclectic creative team of dancers, collaborators and creative partners I think we really take the audience with us on a dark fairytale that that transports us away from real life. The words are narrated by the brilliant Sarah Parish, and take us into the world of the Queen’s internal terrors, which become the driving force of this adaptation.
What can we expect from the costuming and staging in Snow White?
We have combined original costumes from the first staging of Snow White made by Libby Everall with a whole new wardrobe of creations freshly designed designed by Nasir Mazhar, with some costumes exclusively for The Sacrifice. It has been a beautiful experience to explore how evocatively adult we can make the masked ball look when the Queen meets her potential new suitor, and the costumes help tell the story of a woman losing her sexual capital and newly looking at her daughter as a rival.
Delve into the tortured psyche of a desperate Queen, enslaved by her own harsh reflection in this enchanting reimagining of a classic tale.
Twelve extraordinary performers bring this tragic story to life, laced with envy, cruelty and acts of heroism.
Book your tickets for Snow White: The Sacrifice, showing at Northern Stage between 31 October and 2 November.