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What if Princess Aurora had more to do than fall under a curse and wait for true love's kiss? That's one of the ideas behind Sleeping Beauty The Musical, a new adaptation of the classic fairy tale coming to Peoples Theatre in Johannesburg this November.
For writer and lyricist Ian Curran, revisiting the story was an opportunity to explore a character he felt had not been fully developed in previous versions. He has always been drawn to fairy tales and the way they bring darker themes and moral lessons together with magical creatures and romance.
With Sleeping Beauty The Musical, he wanted to give Aurora a stronger identity and the freedom to make choices that shape her life.
“I wanted to empower Princess Aurora, allow her to have hopes and dreams, and give her the courage to chase them,” Ian says.
In this adaptation, Aurora grows up in a single-parent household, unaware of her royal heritage. As she meets new people and learns from her experiences, she begins to see new possibilities for herself.
Her journey from an innocent, wide-eyed girl to a confident, passionate woman who will eventually lead a kingdom gives the musical a coming-of-age story woven into fairytale adventure.
Aurora’s journey from innocence to independence
Ian approaches Aurora's story as a gradual process of discovery. Her understanding of herself changes as she encounters different people and situations, opening her mind to possibilities she had not previously considered.
That development also influences the musical's style, which evolves alongside her character. Rather than leaving Aurora as a figure around whom events simply happen, the story follows her growth and the lessons that help prepare her for the responsibilities ahead.
Staying true to the story while giving it a twist
Adapting a classic fairy tale means finding a balance between preserving what’s familiar and introducing new ideas. Ian wanted to explore the original story's themes deeper without losing the elements that have made it endure.
“There’s a danger when adapting any familiar story that you change or take out something people love,” he explains.
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His approach has been to introduce new characters and themes that support the existing story rather than undermine it. Writing original songs for familiar characters has also allowed him to expand their roles and bring new energy to the narrative.
The treatment of romance is one example of where the adaptation takes a different approach. Rather than making true love's kiss the only defining moment, the musical lets audiences see relationships develop beforehand. Ian also highlights the importance of consensual relationships in this reimagining, bringing a contemporary consideration to a traditional love story.
How the music shapes the musical
The musical features an entirely original soundtrack, with lyrics by Ian and music by Simon Hanson and Peter Vint. The songs are an integral part of the storytelling, revealing information about the characters, expressing their feelings and moving the plot forward.
For younger audiences, this creates another way to follow the action and understand what motivates the characters. The songs also vary in mood and style, with upbeat company numbers sitting alongside quieter moments of reflection and heartbreak.
The writer believes this contrast is important when writing for family audiences. The livelier numbers bring energy to the production, while the more sensitive songs give the story room to explore difficult emotions. Together, they create a musical journey that reflects the different experiences of the characters.
Read: Double the panto magic headed to Joburg theatres!
When deciding how the production should sound, Ian and the creative team looked towards classic animated films and stage musicals rather than following current pop trends.
Although the songs are new, he wanted them to have a familiar musical-theatre quality built around catchy melodies, rich harmonies and full orchestrations. The intention was to create music that could be enjoyed for years to come rather than tie the production to a particular musical trend.
That approach also reflects his ambition to bring families together for a shared theatrical experience. Children and adults can connect with different aspects of the story, whether through the lively musical numbers, the characters' relationships or the more emotional moments.
The cast bringing this fairy tale to life
Gabrielle De Gama plays Princess Aurora, with Tumelo Mogashoa as Prince Perrault. The wider cast includes Donae Brazer as Queen Catherine, Gamelihle “Game” Bovana as King Henry, Luciano Zuppa as Hellisent and Priyanka Bandu as Fairy Tulip.
The story follows Aurora as she discovers her royal identity and faces Hellisent, who threatens to take the throne from King Henry. Along the way, she must navigate the responsibilities of royal life as the kingdom's future hangs in the balance.
The production is presented by Peoples Productions in collaboration with Joburg Theatre and directed by Jill Girard.
- Tuesday 3 November - Thursday 24 December
- Location: Peoples Theatre at Joburg Theatre
- Cost: R180 via Webtickets
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