Hounslow poisoned by an Asian Princess
By Lopa Patel (20th September 2002)

Hounslow Council has become mired in controversy after announcing an audition for an Asian Princess for its Christmas Pantomime 'Sleeping Beauty'. The contention is that the role should not be restricted to young Asian girls given that 'Sleeping Beauty', best known as a Grimm's Fairy tale, originally featured a white princess.

Hounslow has defended its position by stating that its combination of a multi-ethnic community and the fact that it is Black History Month in October supports its positive discrimination stance, even though the pantomime does not launch until 9th December! "CIP represents the full spectrum of Hounslow's multicultural community and nationally mirrors the Government's commitment to a ethnically diverse and harmonious society. Additionally, next month sees the national celebration of Black History Month. In this instance "Black" also encompasses the diverse talents of the Asian community", says a CIP statement.

So is Hounslow just pandering to the brown voters in its locality or should there be equality in children's entertainment? Should the role of the dwarfs in 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' be reserved for dwarfs and should the role of Ali Baba' in 'Ali Baba and the forty thieves' be solely for someone of middle-eastern descent? If all this sounds totally crazy, then that's exactly how Hounslow's stance appears.

"Sleeping Beauty is a very important community event, occurring over the Winter Christmas and New Year period and will embrace all parts of the local community in Hounslow" the statement continues,"34% of whom are Asian. The script requires an Asian Princess for the Bollywood-esque dance routines hence the independent touring theatre production company, Tell Tale Productions, has expressed a desire to cast an Asian Princess."

Bollywood-esque dance routines? Was the author of this children's fable even aware of Bollywood when writing this story in 1697? And exactly what proportion of Hounslow's Asian community - made up largely of Hindu, Muslim and Sikh followers - actually celebrate Christmas? Positive discrimination has a role to play in society, but Asian Princesses not withstanding, surely an open audition would have met community requirements in this case? If the film The Guru is anything to go by, white actresses like Heather Graham and Marisa Tomei are as good at Bollywood dance routines as anybody else.

Surely it's time for Hounslow to admit that it just wants a leading lady who will pull in the Asian punters so that everyone can live happily ever after! What I want to know is......which Asian parent is going to allow their little princess to be awoken with a kiss?

About the CIP Hounslow Pantomime 'Sleeping Beauty'

The Christmas pantomime will be an enjoyable event and residents are all welcome to the performances that will commence on 9th December until 25 January 2003. The box office number is 0845 456 2840. Book early to avoid disappointment. Only by watching the performance will you enjoy all the talents of local people. At a later stage, schools will also be invited to audition for parts of "extras". Watch this space!

About 'Sleeping Beauty' the fairy tale.

** Charles Perrault published La Belle au bois dormant (The Sleeping Beauty) in Paris, in January 1697, as the first of eight stories in a book titled Histoires ou Contes du temps passé. Avec de Moralitez. Since Perrault, the Grimm brothers (Jacob & Wilhelm), who were avid fans of fairy tales, published their collection of stories in three volumes, in 1812, 1815 and 1822. They presented The Sleeping Beauty as the less macabre but more romantic Dornröschen (Little Briar Rose). Here the Prince awakens sleeping Beauty with a kiss (which is sometimes omitted), they are married and live happily ever after