The production Sweet Words brings to the stage a universal story of self-expression, family love and support by Carl Norac, a contemporary and highly popular Belgian children’s author, using the warm and tender language of puppetry. It addresses a highly relevant contemporary issue: the importance of listening to what children have to say—something parents often overlook amid the fast pace of modern life. It also speaks of the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life and expressing our emotions, reminding us that true treasure is not found in someone distant or exotic, but in the person who is always by our side.
In the play, we meet a family of hamsters. Lola, a little hamster, is the central character both in the production and in Carl Norac’s popular picture books. For this production, Norac adapted several of his picture books and wove them into a single story. One morning, Lola wakes up with something very important to say. Special, tender words are on the tip of her tongue. Are those words meant for Mum and Dad? Or should she say them to her teacher? Or perhaps to her friend Frankie, the king of skateboarding? It is a truly frustrating day as the words make Lola’s impatient cheeks puff out. But in the end, her powerful, magical words are sure to find their way out. They will be worth the wait!
Founded in 1960, Rijeka City Puppet Theatre creates work for children, young audiences and families. Its productions combine a variety of puppetry techniques with contemporary stage expression. Since 1993, the Theatre, its staff and collaborators have received a total of 68 collective and individual awards. Each year, the Theatre takes part in major puppetry festivals and events in Croatia and abroad, and since 1996 it has organised the international Review of Puppet Theatres.
