The legendary love between Cinderella and the Prince, the birth and blossoming of human feelings, the obstacles, and the realization of their dream. In Prokofiev’s music, one can perceive all the characteristics of the sweet dreamer Cinderella, her timid father, the quibbling stepmother, the capricious stepsisters, and the fervent young Prince, in a way that leaves the spectator affected by their joys and sorrows. The dance is joyous, lively, sparkling, poetic, and the Romanian Opera Theater Ballet presents an increasingly sweet and dreamy Cinderella: the slipper disappears, and in its place, the Prince searches for a maiden with a pure foot – which, upon closer inspection, is also the dancer’s strength, from which they draw power, balance, and elevation. The maiden, guided by the memory of her mother, embarks on her own path in search of her identity and love.

Cinderella is not just a character from fairy tales – Prokofiev said – she is above all a creature who palpitates, inducing emotion and tenderness.

PLOT

Act I
The scene takes place in Cinderella’s father’s house. Arabella and Araminta, Cinderella’s two stepsisters, are embroidering a shawl to wear at the grand ball that the prince has organized at the palace. Cinderella is busy with household chores, as usual, when the two stepsisters, quarreling, leave her alone for a moment. The poor girl, thinking of her childhood, remembers how everything was different when her mother was alive. She knows that her father adores her but is unable to stand up to the other two daughters, who hate her.
A beggar woman enters asking for alms: the two stepsisters mock her, but Cinderella offers her some bread and accompanies her to the door, while the old woman thanks her. A team of hairdressers, embroiderers, and jewelers arrive to adorn the two sisters for the grand evening. The stepmother (in some versions interpreted by the father) escorts them to the ball, leaving Cinderella with her broom to clean the house. The beggar woman then returns and, removing her disguise, reveals herself as a fairy. She summons the fairies of the four seasons with their knights and repays Cinderella’s kindness with an enchanting evening gown. The only limit to the magic will be the stroke of midnight: Cinderella must return before that time because the spell will dissolve, and she will return to her humble clothes from being a beautiful princess. Magically, Cinderella is taken to the ball.

Act II
At the palace, the party has begun when Cinderella’s stepsisters arrive. Shortly after, the Prince makes his entrance. Last to arrive, welcomed by mysterious music, Cinderella steps into the hall. She is immediately mistaken for a princess, so beautiful and radiant; not even her stepmother and sisters recognize her. The prince offers her three oranges, the most prized and rare fruit of his territory, and Cinderella generously shares them with her stepsisters. As the ballroom empties of participants, the Prince and Cinderella declare their love for each other. One waltz after another, and Cinderella forgets the limit of the spell that envelops her. The chimes of midnight bring her back to her senses, and suddenly, she flees. The prince, astonished, picks up the slipper that Cinderella lost in her flight and vows to find the splendid princess who lost it.

Act III
Cinderella wakes up at home and at first doesn’t understand if she dreamed the grand ball or not. But the answer to her doubt is quick to reveal itself: in her apron is a crystal slipper. Arabella and Araminta join her and boast about their experience at the palace the night before. A group of young people arrives to announce that the prince is looking for the princess to whom the slipper in his possession belongs. The two wicked sisters, despite everyone’s efforts, including Cinderella’s, cannot fit into the slipper. Suddenly, the other shoe falls from Cinderella’s apron. The prince immediately recognizes his princess in Cinderella. The fairy reappears to bless the union of the two lovers.