H. C. Andersen: UGLY DUCKLING
CROATIA
The Theatre of Blind and Visually Impaired “New Life“ was established back in 1948 which makes it the oldest such theatre in the world. Along with thousands of plays and premieres that make up a large library of domestic and foreign dramatic literature, New Life has founded and is organizing the 13th BIT – (Blind in theatre), international festival that features theatre groups of blind and visually impaired from all over the world.
HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN: UGLY DUCKLING
Adaptation of H.C. Andersen's story / Kristina Kegljen
Direction / Mario Kovač
Scene design, costume design, doll design / Dunja Niemčić
Music / Željko Špoljarić
Choreography / Branko Banković
Lights / Nenad Lalović
Assistant to scene designer / David Čavara
Photos and videos / Jasenko Rasol
Graphic design / kuna zlatica
CAST:
Dajana Biondić – Ugly duckling
Danijela Vidas – sister Zdenka
Anita Matković – mom Duck, chick Henifer
Vojin Perić – turkey Matan
Andrej Drenski –brother Zdenko, hen Mileva
Stage manager / David Čavara
Ugly duckling is an almost prophetic fairy tale by H. C. Andersen that speaks about peer violence, discrimination and non-acceptance of those who are different years before these topics became current worldwide. Many have already spoken about the necessity of inclusion and why it shouldn’t even exist as a word, but with this play we don’t want to lecture, but to speak from our own experience. For the past few seasons, “New Life” has begun to address the youngest audience wishing to bring them closer to theatrical art, and we can say that by working on this play we are opening a new chapter in our work because, although we have flirted with object theatre before, this is the first play which is our first full-fledged puppet play. How to animate puppets and bring them to life in order to bring serious topics closer to children while entertaining and educating them at the same time – it’s a difficult task, but we enjoy creating and we look forward to seeing you at our play.
Mario Kovač
To be happy, much you don’t need
Be loyal, that’s all you need indeed
A gentle heart, a warm embrace
To be loved with quiet grace
Black or white, it matters not
Being kind is always hot
Spread happiness and joy
Wish well and let us enjoy
Ugly duckling is sad no more
His smile is bigger than before
His new life is bright –
This play is over, we wish you good night!