The Red Shoes

In honor of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Red Shoes" and the magnificent 1948 film, The Red Shoes, which played last night at the River Run Film Festival, today I invite you to choose any object around you, preferably an object you or your character truly desires. List out the possible powers, curses, or magic this object could possibly bring to your character. Choose one. Now, list out as many possible ways this power or curse could complicate or parallel your character's life. See a conflict arising? Try writing out a summarizing sequence of events, for example: There was a ________ named _________ and one day _________ and then ____________ and then ____________ and then ______________. When you are done, ask, does your story convey a lesson or message? What is your fable trying to say about the experience of living? Do you agree? If you'd like to take this a step further, choose one of the following rituals.

Writing Ritual:

Now, list out all the scenes you will need to turn your fable into a fully-realized story. Choose a point-of-view. Main character, villain, parent? Or perhaps you want to try writing in the point-of-view of the magical object. Jump into the first scene, writing primarily through sensual experience (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell). Try starting with describing the magical object, down to its smallest parts or fibers. Keep the action moving forward. Let your pencil keep moving no matter what, allowing yourself to freely play.

Art Ritual:

If you've done all the writing you want to do with the first step, what art project could you turn your fable into?

1) Visual art: Draw or paint the world of your fable. How is it similar and how is it different from the world you live in? Are there dream-like elements?

2) Movement: How does the magical object make your character move differently? For example, if a pair of gloves has the power of granting youth to every person they touch, how might that character start to move their hands. Would they hide them in their pockets? Begin to move more gracefully, with more confidence?

3) Play acting/ Improvisation: Choose some friends and have them each play a character. Improvise one of the pivotal scenes in your fable. Decide what your characters would wear? How do they talk and walk?

Can you think of any more art projects?

Enjoy your adventure!