Fairy Tales gathers the unconventional verse dramolettes of the Swiss
writer Robert Walser. Narrated in Walser's inimitable, playful language,
these theatrical pieces overturn traditional notions of the fairy tale,
transforming the Brothers Grimm into metatheater, even metareflections.
Snow White forgives the evil queen for trying to kill her, Cinderella
doubts her prince and enjoys being hated by her evil stepsisters; the
Fairy Tale itself is a character who encourages her to stay within the
confines of the story. Sleeping Beauty, the royal family, and its
retainers are not happy about being woken from their sleep by an absurd,
unpretentious, Walser-like hero. Mary and Joseph are taken aback by what
lies in store for their baby Jesus.