Duckling

after Hans Christian Andersen

Art direction: Daniel Stanciu
Script: Georgeta Drăgan

Musical illustration : Georgeta Drăgan
Decors: Maria Nicola
Puppets construction: Compania Hai-Hui

CAST:

Georgeta Drăgan – Stanciu

Grațiela Ene

Ana Maria Cucută

Mihai Bălăceanu

Premiere: November 1, 2020, Main Hall
Duration:  50min

Adapted from the story “The Ugly Duckling” by Hans Christian Andersen

Presentation

Hans Christian Andersen’s story was first published on November 11, 1843, in Denmark, appearing in the New Fairy Tales collection. First Book. First Collection. 1844.

The theme of the swan chick, resumed at a distance of almost 200 years, is just as interesting. The hero in an inappropriate situation is a pretext to metaphorically place the story at the confluence of sensitive topics, encountered in contemporary society: discrimination, bullying and mobbing. The context of the stage representation brings an extra drama by adding contemporary elements: the setting, although enchanting, is affected by pollution and the imminence of plagues, associated with the theme of social exclusion (superimposed, until identification, with the character Duckling).

The show proposes different types of trips, from the imaginative one (terrestrial, underwater or flights) to the initiatory road. Following them, the messages are unequivocally detached, developing the cognitive and affective functions of the small spectators.

Synopsis

The scenic proposal places the action in a concrete space: a delta, in which a group of noisy tourists enter, disturbing the peace and affecting the environment. The Earthworm, an imaginary character, is a representation of the voice of nature, which admonishes and criticizes intruders for their attitude. At the same time, he introduces them to the fantastic atmosphere, sharing the story of the duck chicks in the nest. By immersing the boat by the Earthworm, the tourists arrive in another setting, where the action of the world of birds is composed.

The mother duck hatches the eggs, from which appear, in turn, three beautiful ducklings; but the last egg, the largest, does not want to break. An naughty lady even suggests that it could be turkey egg. When he finally decides to go out into the world, the duck amazes everyone with his extraordinary appearance, his voice, but also his swimming talent. Because he is not approved by society (the Spanish duck excludes him from the dance club, the other ducks drive him away), he leaves the world, alone and sad. His chances of being accepted are, one by one, shattered: he can’t make friends with the dog Hector, because the hunter, seeing him so ugly, thinks he would be sick), he is not allowed in the art world either, along with Chicken and Tomcat, not only because he has no skills (he can’t dance, he can’t even play an instrument), but because he could spread a plague.

Overwhelmed by despair and the vicissitudes of the weather, he becomes aware of the hopeless situation he finds himself in when he sees his face reflected in the mirror of the water. Giving up his life is impossible because of his talent: “I know how to swim! …” When the frost seemed to freeze his last breath, a flock of swans in flight (including his own mother) discovered him and saved him.

The show “Duckling” has a fine fabric of two creative threads: care for nature and acceptance of other entities, overcoming differences. Both converge on absolutely human feelings, those of love, understanding and harmony.

Stage manager: Mihai Bălăceanu

Sound: Cătălin Buzea

Lights: Oana Caibăr

 

 

 

Comments are closed.