Once Upon a Mattress

Fairy tales historically and currently teach us important lessons and this musical has potential to do the same. In a time where people have felt isolated and alone, we see a community that is isolated because of secrets, fears, and laws. The characters preserve and find community. The characters are in groups of insiders and outsiders, those in charge and those with no power. This musical is a comedy that explores systemic injustices. Characters explore stereotypes by embracing them and working against them. As the characters question the power structure and conflict in their communities may we do the same and ask. How does power provide justice? How do we deal with conflict between individuals and communities? How do we work within and outside the system?