Classic Grimm's Fairytales ~ Journeying with Archetypes

by Janene Ping

Puppetry exploration of world folk tales has brought rich insight into how universal archetypes diversely represent cultural wisdom, humor, and wonder for us all... Most of my work these past years has been spent in studying stories from indigenous cultures far and near, bringing awe and gratitude for how characters, both familiar and other worldly, create thresholds of insight into the human soul's journey. 

Recently I returned to one of my favorite classic Grimm's tales: Snow White and Rose Red in preparation for our upcoming school community's May Day celebration. I was surprised when a number of colleagues were not familiar with this story where in various themes resound with aspects of our human becoming. Two sisters, though different in temperament, desire to be in service to the world... This eventually allows them to free a king's son from enchantment wherein he is imprisoned in his bear animal nature and cannot express the truth of his spirit in the world. Greed and ingratitude is embodied in a wicked dwarf who also represents deception and self-centered preoccupation. All comes to rightful resolution when the Dwarf's empowerment is put to an end.

In working with some of the classic fairytales, when appropriate, I explore the rewording of text that represents former cultural values that have lost relevancy in our world today. Subliminal messaging can be powerful. Particularly, one of the areas that I am looking at involve stories where-in the feminine is represented as a "reward", and not empowered by her own agency. Within fairytales, there are aspects of the feminine soul and the masculine physical body unite through marriage - becoming one - in the journey to achieve spiritual empowerment. This can still be represented, without the subjugation of the feminine archetype. In this particular story, at the ending of Snow White and Rose Red, I have the sisters, rewarded in gratitude, being invited to join the royal family, living as equals in the rulership of the kingdom, the gift of their service - realized and honored.

I hope that, if you do not know this story, you will explore it... and share your own reflections on favorite puppet plays that you are working with!