Review: Poika ja Tähti

CHILDREN’S THEATRE AT ITS MOST BEAUTIFUL


At 10 a.m. on a weekday morning in the foyer of the theater, next to the coat racks. Come here
A magical world should be born, inhabited by a little boy, a fool
circus director and the talking horse, whale, raven and bunny?

But that’s just the way it happens. Helsinki City Theatre’s small-scale
but at its core, the great adventure The Boy and the Star brings the audience within reach
Children’s theatre at its most beautiful. The work consists of encounters in which
There is plenty of gentleness, just the right amount of absurdity and a bit of acrobatics.

The Boy and the Star is a treat not only for children, but also for those adults who
have seen one gimmick spectacle after another on the world’s stages.
Because now this is enough: two actors, a strange pose and
starry sky lighting up over the foyer. And the child viewers sigh with happiness.

The story written by Barbro Lindgren, as well as the theatrical adaptation,
respects its target audience. The main characters, on the same night in the circus community
The son Pepe (Sami Uotila) and the foal Tähti (Reetta Honkakoski) are born
interesting, versatile characters. For them, the world is a matter of sorting out
and the best thing of all is friendship.

But there is also a lot of sorrow in the world. Like the one that gets too demanding
a circus director, diverging paths and a lost baby rabbit. And why –
Oh why – adults can’t hear what the horse has to say?

Swedish director Peter Engkvist has made an unforgettable impression
on a small stage. Insightful humour in the pacing, acting direction
is excellent. Sami Uotila and Reetta Honkakoski give birth together
with small gestures, a flock of supporting characters, the most dazzling of which could be mentioned
rapping raven siblings. When there’s not much at your fingertips
sets to grab onto, the creative actors are cartoonish
Of course, all children love.

Ulf Eriksson’s tunes will stay in your mind. Katariina Kirjavainen
The set design will be remembered for its unpretentiousness. Juhani Leppänen
The lighting designed by the play is still playing in my mind after the play has ended.
After this, it is good to be well, both young and old.