Snow White, Hansel & Gretel, Alice in Wonderland, the Little Mermaid — these are only a few of the stories that come to mind when we think of fairy tales.
For the most part, such stories are simply retold as they pass from generation to generation. But what would happen if these tales were rewritten by modern authors and made more relevant to today’s society? Tonight, the UA Poetry Center is offering an answer to this question, as they bring us a reading called “”The Contemporary Fairy Tale.””
In the words of Aurelie Sheehan, the director of UA’s creative writing program, “”A ‘contemporary fairy tale’ is a loose term used to link together stories that are either inspired by or take-off from the fairy tales from the past, or might fit into the tradition as it continues to evolve.””
The event will feature readings from three different authors: Kathryn Davis, Lydia Millet and Joy Williams. Each writer will read their contemporary fairy tale from the new anthology, “”My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me: Forty New Fairy Tales.”” The reading will be moderated by the book’s editor, Kate Bernheimer, who is also an alumna of UA’s creative writing MFA program. “”These are four extremely accomplished fiction writers, and we are lucky to have them,”” Sheehan said.
Not only will “”The Contemporary Fairy Tale”” feature talented writers, but their innovative stories are sure to be exciting. Elle Magazine called the book “”spooky, shocking, and surreal,”” and reviewers on amazon.com added that it was “”amazingly entertaining”” as well as “”beautifully creepy.”” So a chance to hear these stories as told by their authors is sure to be a one-of-a-kind experience.
As Sheehan explained, “”Fairy tales never get old. There is something teasing and satisfying about taking this form on and pairing it with contemporary elements.””
If you’re interested in a good story, or curious about how a modern writer could possibly adapt your favorite classic, the event is free and open to the public at the UA Poetry Center tonight at 8 p.m.
