A child knows its needs

Subotica Children’s Theatre Authors: Tamaš Olah, Marta Bereš, Andrej Boka

Director: Andrej Boka

Cast: Gal Elvira, Greguss Zalan, Hajdú Támas k.g., Horváth Blanka k.g., Kőműves Csaba k.g.

Costumes, Stage and Puppet Design: Sandra Nikač

Music: Kučera Geza

Play with Me! is an excellent proof of the exceptional acting chops of the Children's Theatre. The young cast (under the helm of Andrej Boka) played out a show about a prince whose father builds him a tower upon his mother’s death thinking that’s exactly what the boy needs - instead of providing him with his undivided attention and time. The play is equally intended for adults - as it deals with the issue of parents not listening to their children's needs, but imposing their own beliefs on them instead. The play’s introduction and ending portray the royal family while the middle part focuses on the construction of the tower. Just as the king himself forgot about his son, the audience’s attention is shifted away from his character.

The clumsiness of the construction worker characters is infinitely amusing and reminiscent of the golden age of slapstick comedy. They trip, get stuck to the boards, hit their fingers with a hammer, accidentally break a part of the tower. Their persistence and commitment - despite their hastiness and clumsiness - is incredible. In terms of pace, humor and playfulness it resembles a cartoon. The audience can only grin, giggle, be on the verge of their seats, waiting for the next shenanigan. The workers’ absence of dialogue lines allowed them additional space for physical comedy. The show utilizes only two puppets - a prince resembling a redhead version of the Little Prince character (especially since he is similarily gazing at the stars) and a puppet used to mark the flight of the surrendering worker (much to audience’s excitement).

While the events in the royal family suggest - mostly verbally - that the act of playing is a need, a desire and a necessity, the play itself is an embodiment of the beauty of playing. What a joy!

Impressions of the audience (during and after the performance):

“This is like an awesome cartoon!” (age 6)

“Very funny” (age 6)

"I don't understand how they are doing this. Where are the stars hanging from?" (age 6)

"I don't get it, either. How was that mantle standing upright at the beginning?” (age 6)

“It was nice and I was laughing” (age 6)

“I wish I was an actor in this play” (age 30)

Divna Stojanov