Based on the story of H.K. Andersen

 

Concept, direction and choreography: Bacho Tinde

Scenography: Raluka Aleksandrescu

Puppets: Remus Gabor

Music and sound design: Kari Tibor

Light design: Lucian Moga

Lyrics of the song: Dzanina Dzinaru-Dobos

Assistant director: Raul Lazarescu

 

Cast: Patricija Gavril, Raul Lazaresku, Lucijan Matei, Kristin Manojla, Madalina Gidjesku-Petre, Marko Adzic

 

There are numerous interpretations of The Little Mermaid, most of which explore themes such as self-discovery, sacrifice, love, longing, identity and the immortal soul.

 

Identity and self-discovery: The story of a mermaid who longs to reach the land from the sea can be interpreted as a metaphor for overcoming our own limitations, pursuing our dreams and discovering our true selves. It is no coincidence that the story of the mermaid begins when she is fifteen years old, that is, in adolescence – an important stage of development and self-discovery.

 

Sacrifice and love: The story strongly emphasises the sacrificial and altruistic nature of true love. In the original story, the Little Mermaid gives up her voice and endures physical pain in the hope of winning the Prince’s heart. Above the water is the place where the two can meet. She comes from the depths of the sea, while he belongs to the world of the land, making the space between them the ideal place that connects these two worlds. Above the sea, the two worlds become permeable, while the dimensions of space and time open up.

 

The immortal soul: Sea creatures do not possess immortal souls, which is a central motif of the story. The mermaid’s longing for an immortal soul is closely connected to love. In Andersen’s story, the ending is both tragic and hopeful: the mermaid’s body dissolves and becomes sea foam, but her soul rises upwards, where she can earn immortality through good deeds.

 

The hero’s journey: The Little Mermaid’s journey, from leaving her home to winning the Prince’s heart, is a unique example of sacrifice that transforms the heroine’s destiny and her relationship with the world. This journey carries a powerful message about remaining true to ourselves and following our own path through life.

 

Water, earth and sky: The heroine’s journey takes her from beginning to end through a progression from the deep sea, the lower realm symbolising the unconscious, to the earthly world, the conscious world, and finally to the celestial realm, the spiritual world. The story unfolds across three dimensions, evoking before us the indescribable unity and wholeness of the infinite, which we long for throughout our lives. The Little Mermaid is a symbol of the eternal soul.

 

Form: Puppet-dance theatre

Language: Non-verbal

Age of the audience: 9+

Performance duration: 75 minutes