Sunderella

Sunderella: A Queer Bollywood Twist on Cinderella

What could be more entertaining than Cinderella on stage? An all-singing, all-dancing, queer Bollywood adaptation called Sunderella, of course. 

Set in 18th-century British India, Sunderella features a cast of about 20 performers, in splendid costumes and jewels, dancing to some of Bollywood’s greatest hits. 

Pious and kind, Sundar, lives a simple life, getting by with living with his evil stepmother and two vicious stepsisters. But as the timeless fairy tale goes, Sundar’s fortunes change when a celestial force “stirs the pot”, transforms him into a gorgeous woman called Sunderella and sends her prancing to the prince’s palace.

There are dramatic scenes and sweeping dance sequences, comic characters and foot-tapping music. But at the end of the day, Sunderella is a heartrending story of love and acceptance.

The play is directed by Bali Padda (Guards at the Taj), and presented by Sydney-based social support group for South Asian LGBTIQ+ people, Trikone Australia.

Writer: Kunal Mirchandani
Director: Bali Padda
Choreographer: Zeenat Parveen
Lighting Designer: James Wallis