Review: Vaavin salattu elämä

At the heart of toddling

Directed by Taina Mäki-Iso , Vaavi’s Secret Life is an exhilarating watch for children and adults alike.

Vaavi’s Secret Life flashes the scenes that every parent must have remembered. Flashing lights, reckless climbing, sneaking as secretly and quietly as possible and, of course, being afraid of the vacuum cleaner. At the same time, however, the play also opens its doors to the imaginary world of a toddler, where he or she is already grown up and can do anything. Thus, in addition to everything else, Vaavi also has a kind of adult role, which, judging by the reactions of child viewers, is at least realistic.

Pertti Koivula as a baby is absolutely incredible. Gestures, facial expressions, movements and vocalizations are like straight from a toddler. While an adult admires Koivula’s performance and laughs at the whining of a diaper butt, the child viewer empathizes with the child who toddles on stage in the character of Koivula. Sari Haapamäki’s role is mainly to support Koivula’s character.

Heidi Granberg has created sets that blend well into the small space in the foyer of a small stage. The diversity of the sets and lighting create a functional and changing setting for Vaavi’s hidden life.