Foto: Nada Žgank

COMING UP:

• January 12th, 2025 at 11.00 am, Teatro Miela, Trieste (Italy) – BOX OFFICE TICKETS
• February 2nd 2025 at 5.30 pm,  Teatro Verdi, Muggia (Italy) – BOX OFFICE TICKETS
• March 12th and 13th 2025 at 9.00 and 10.30 am, Lojze Bratuž Cultural Centre, Gorizia (Italy) – FOR KINDERGARTENS AND SCHOOLS
• March 17th and 18th 2025 at 9.00 and 10.30 am, Cultural Centre, Postojna (Slovenia) – FOR KINDERGARTENS AND SCHOOLS
• April 4th 2025 at 9.00 and 11.00 am, Cankarjev dom – Kosovelova dovarana, Ljubljana (Slovenia) – FOR KINDERGARTENS AND SCHOOLS
• April 7th 2025 at 9.00 and 11.00 am, Cankarjev dom – Kosovelova dovarana, Ljubljana (Slovenia) – FOR KINDERGARTENS AND SCHOOLS

TOPIC:

Humans are biologically and culturally connected to water. It is with us every moment of our lives. It is the source and condition of our existence. It is like a mirror of life, whispering to us through fairy tales the secrets of a forgotten (super)natural world. Through the observation of the water cycle, the endless flow of rivers and the rhythm of the waves of the sea, we perceive our place in the flow of time. The sounds of dripping, trickling and flowing water bring us back in touch with nature and the magic of its inspiration. Water awakens in us longing and dreams, but also anxiety and fear. We admire its agility, elegance, shimmering and murmuring, and at the same time fear its destructive power.

The ecological imbalance caused by the relentless technological development of our civilization is also reflected in our relationship with water. We are witnessing the pollution of vast aquatic ecosystems, which is destroying life and causing shortages of drinking water. Global warming is causing rapid cycles of interchange between record droughts and devastating floods. Such events in our immediate surroundings have stimulated the need for artists to address these issues in the genre of audio-visual theatre for children.

CHILDREN AND WATER:

Children have a special affinity for water. They are drawn to it, jumping in puddles, splashing and pouring water are manners of childhood play. This affinity has been followed in the conception of the sound and visual design of the show. Live music is performed on a range of original water instruments and water is used as the primary medium of object animation: it can take any form, but is itself without it.

STORY:

Scientists experimenting with water are surprised by a visit from the water creature Blup, who suddenly splashes into their laboratory. It slips into a glove, runs down a pipe, spills into a bathtub and other containers. Along the way, he encounters all sorts of plumbing objects that come to life and become characters of the puppet adventures. Blup watches the action and comes to the aid to anyone in need: giving a drink to a thirsty puppy, putting out a fire, watering a flower or cleaning up the dirt. But we only realize his kindness when Blup suddenly disappears.

The project is a collaboration between Cankarjev dom, main Slovenian cultural centre, Kuskus Institute and the Friulian independent theatre Al quadrato from Tarcento, Italy. As a work in progress, the performance was presented at the renowned international festival of theatre for children Visioni in Bologna in March 2024.

The 45-minute performance is suitable for children aged 5 – 11 years.