Theatre Hullabaloo & Theatre Porto present
Baba Yaga
A fairytale adventure for everyone aged 6 years and above
In this contemporary fairytale adventure inspired by the Slavic stories of Baba Yaga, a sister and a brother are forced to flee from their home only to find themselves alone in a whole new place.
A New-Place. Surely they will find safety here? But shshshsh! Just beyond in a chicken-leg house, lurks the most dangerous new danger, of the snap-you-up-andgobble-you-down-if-you’re-not-careful variety.
The most infamous of witches. The most unpredictable of adversaries.
The lip-smacking, chiddler-nicking, fear-smelling Baba Yaga!
Fantastical fairytale ingredients, physical theatre and an epic score come together in this new production which celebrates the bravery of children.
A dark new fairytale, where danger skulks in the least expected corners, but safety is closer than you think.
Theatre Hullabaloo & Theatre Porto
Theatre Hullabaloo & Theatre Porto’s new version of the Baba Yaga stories has been developed through conversations with children and families who share our fascination with this ultimate witch, including those from Eastern European backgrounds where these tales loom large in many childhoods.
Laura Lindow’s brilliant new play reimagines the best elements of those stories and presents us with a dark, fairytale world where children’s bravery and ingenuity ultimately triumphs, but the audience are challenged to consider our collective responsibility to look after the most vulnerable.
Whilst these are themes that are timeless, they feel particularly important for audiences of all ages today.
“Brilliant production for the whole family to enjoy together.”
Family Explorers North East
“Total genius. We loved the show so much that we forgot to breathe!” – Audience Member, April 2022
‘Blending fireside-style storytelling seamlessly with physical performance and mime.. Nina Hajiyianni’s signature style of storytelling involves furtive use of the imagination” ****1/2 stars – GoodNews Liverpool, 2023
Credits
- Writer – Laura Lindow
- Director – Nina Hajiyianni
- Composer – Patrick Dineen
- Designer – Bek Palmer
- Producer – Miranda Thain
- Lighting Designer – Will Evans
Booking / Touring Details
Duration: 60 mins
Ages: 6+ year olds
Baba Yaga is an infamous character from traditional Slavic fairytales (popular in Eastern Europe). In Western stories we know her better as the witch from Hansel and Gretel. Theatre Hullabaloo commissioned this new version of the Baba Yaga story in response to schools’ feedback about the lack of traditional tales available from other cultures.
In our version, we take a journey with 10 year old twins as they embark on an adventure to seek safety. Along the way they are forced to show great resilience and courage in order to defeat the ultimate witch. This original show will support pupils’ appreciation of common themes and conventions across a range of writing, including traditional tales. It also exploits rich cultural links, allowing us to celebrate the diverse heritage of pupils from Eastern European backgrounds.
Music, song, puppetry and adventure come together in this new show for everyone over the age of 6 years old and we particularly recommend it for Key Stage 2 pupils.
