I stumbled upon this 1927 play by Theodora Du Bois and was instantly hooked by the premise. It's a complete reimagining of 'Sleeping Beauty,' but the roles are reversed in the most interesting way.

The Story

The play opens with a kingdom in despair. It's Prince Florimund who has been pricked by the spindle and fallen into the legendary hundred-year sleep. The magical forest of thorns has grown up around his castle to protect him. A century later, Princess Briar-Rose hears the story and feels a strange pull. She decides she will be the one to brave the enchanted woods and wake the sleeping prince. The story follows her journey through the dangerous, talking forest, facing its magical guardians and her own doubts. The climax isn't about a kiss of true love, but about Briar-Rose's determination and courage as she confronts the final magic holding the prince captive.

Why You Should Read It

What I loved most was how fresh this nearly 100-year-old play feels. Du Bois doesn't just swap the genders; she builds a new story around that idea. Briar-Rose is active, curious, and brave. Her quest feels earned. It also makes you think about the original tale in a new light. Why should the princess always be the passive one waiting for rescue? The dialogue is crisp, and the magical elements of the forest are described with a lovely, eerie charm. It's a quiet but powerful argument for telling stories differently.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for anyone who loves fairy tale retellings, especially ones with a feminist twist written long before it was a common trend. It's also great for readers who enjoy early 20th-century drama or are looking for a short, impactful play that packs a lot of ideas into just three acts. If you're tired of the same old princess stories and want to see where some of these clever retellings got their start, Theodora Du Bois's 'The Sleeping Beauty' is a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered.