Alice reimagined

Theatre actor Lisa Rodrigues on bringing to life a brave new Alice from Lewis Carroll’s beloved story

- Anjali Kochhar

When Alice in Paradise opens today, audiences will see far more than a whimsical retelling of Lewis Carroll's beloved story, Alice in Wonderland.

They'll witness a production that dares to imagine a world where theatre becomes a tool for empathy, inclusion, and social change, brought to life by the powerhouse performer at its centre, Lisa Rodrigues, who steps into Alice’s iconic blue dress with a voice, spirit, and emotional clarity entirely her own.

Produced by Raéll Padamsee’s ACE Productions, choreographed by Shiamak Davar's Victory Foundation, and directed by Craig Dequadros, Alice in Paradise brings together 150 children, from mainstream schools as well as NGOs such as CSED Agripada, ADAPT, Pehchaan, My Udaan, Muktangan, and Seva Sadan, to create a world where diversity, equity and inclusion (D.E.I.) aren't themes; they're lived realities.

And at the heart of this world is Lisa, a self-trained singer, lyricist, and vocal arranger whose journey with Alice has been as transformative for her as it hopes to be for the children watching. “This character shaped my childhood. Now I get to shape someone else's.”

For Lisa, stepping into Alice wasn't just about portraying a familiar character; it was about reclaiming the wonder that defined her own childhood.

“Alice had such an impact on all of us growing up,” she says. “Now, I get to use this character to talk about issues that matter today. I'm singing about things children are actually experiencing—screens, pressure, connection—and hopefully creating the kind of impact Alice created for me.”

Her musical instincts shaped the reinterpretation in unexpected ways. Lisa not only performs the songs—she rewrote the lyrics, reimagined melodies, and adapted popular tunes into something children and adults would immediately connect with.