In James Finn Garner's version of Cinderella, the theme of oppression by the patriarchy is humorously addressed. The stepsisters are not simply evil, but rather embody the stereotypical female images shaped by the patriarchal system: they are superficial, vain, and follow a distorted beauty ideal. This portrayal critiques societal expectations of women and shows how such norms can foster competition and oppression between women. Why have they become who they are? What is their side of the story? And what can be done to free the sisters from their devastating fate? One must change the perspective to see the true evil in the seemingly perfect world of fairy tales: patriarchy, systemic pressures, oppression, and anti-individualism.
The costume project was created during a six-month Erasmus stay at Birmingham City University in England.