The Brothers Grimm, Jacob (4 January 1785 - 20 September 1863) and Wilhelm (24 February 1786 - 16 December 1859), were German academics and linguists, widely known for their collections of folk and fairy tales. Their stories include such classics as Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Rumpelstiltskin and The Elves and the Shoemaker.
A number of the Grimm brothers tales have been used as either the basis for Australian-written pantomimes and burlesques, or were adapted by overseas writers and composers before bing localised for Australian audiences. Their Aschenputtel (Cinderella) story has, for example, served as the basis for several works by artist/creator Monica Oppen (see Aschenputtel Trilogy).
