Teach Into the Woods

"I wish to see the world!" (Rapunzel, Act 1 Scene 5)

The idea of a 'happily ever after' is commonly found in fairy tales, and in Into the Woods, each character enters the woods to pursue a wish or a want.

None of the characters think about what happens after they get their wish - or who they may be hurting in its pursuit.

In musical theatre, 'I want' or 'I wish' songs usually occur near the beginning of the play, and feature the main character singing about what they are searching for, or what they are dissatisfied with.

Extract from Discover, Explore, Assess: Into the Woods.

"You can never love somebody else's child the way you love your own." (Cinderella's Stepmother, Act 1 Scene 3)

There are many different types of family units in Into the Woods - Cinderella has a nasty Stepmother and two Stepsisters, and Jack's Mother thinks he's simple-minded, at one point wishing aloud that she didn't have children.

Many of the parent/child relationships are strained - it seems the parents want different things from their children. Throughout the story, the characters explore the idea of the family we choose for ourselves.

Extract from Discover, Explore, Assess: Into the Woods.

"Into the woods / Without delay / But careful not / To lose the way." (All, Act 1 Scene 1)

Going into the woods is a metaphor for taking a treacherous journey into the unknown, where one doesn't know the outcome or consequences (or even if they will survive).

The woods themselves represent wildness - where nature, rather than man, is the master. In this way, it is the opposite of civilization.

Each character goes on a journey to fulfil their wishes, and leaves the woods as a different person in some way.

Extract from Discover, Explore, Assess: Into the Woods.

"I have, on occasion, wanted more. But that doesn't mean I went in search of it." (Act 2, Scene 2)

Cinderella is treated poorly by her Stepsisters and Stepmother. In this production, she is a rather forlorn princess. The audience wonders whether she really wants a relationship.

She can talk to birds, and her tears water a tree that will eventually become her Fairy Godmother.

Extract from Discover, Explore, Assess: Into the Woods.

"We disappoint / In turn, I guess / Forget, though, we won't / Like father, like son." (Act 2, Scene 2)

The Baker is a good husband, father, and son - in general, he is a good person.

He goes into the woods to gather objects for the Witch to undo a spell that has left his family without children.

The Baker loves his wife so much that he struggles to let her help gather objects for the Witch, even though he cannot do it without her.

Extract from Discover, Explore, Assess: Into the Woods.

"Mother said / 'Straight ahead' / Not to delay / Or be misled." (Act 1 Scene 2)

Little Red Riding Hood is a naive teenager who is starting to see the world in a new way.

She is tough and ready to fight, and goes into the woods to see her Granny. At this point, she meets the wolf, who offers her a new view of the world around her.

Extract from Discover, Explore, Assess: Into the Woods.