WHEN STONES WERE STILL BIRDS

Pekka is a special boy. His head is slightly askew, and his body is a little misshapen. Pekka, who spent his early years at the ‘Children’s Castle’, is developing more slowly and differently from his siblings. However, Pekka still finds opportunities where others see none. He is a master of life and love. Pekka loves flowers, he loves fir trees, he loves the clouds from the inside and the outside. He loves the table, his grandmother’s kitchen apron and his mother’s scent. He even loves his socks. In short: Pekka loves everything and everyone. Most of all, though, he loves stones. He can sit on a stone for hours, waiting for it to turn into a bird and fly away with him. Because, as Pekka knows, stones used to be birds.

This story is told from the perspective of his older sister, Leena. Many different little, everyday anecdotes reveal the wondrous life of Pekka. He is different. He is allowed to be different.

Personal and free from preconceived notions, clichés and diagnoses, this play explores the idea of being different – of being special. It invites us not to pigeonhole people, but to approach them with an open mind – because different ideas, ways of thinking, paces and forms of expression broaden our horizons. The diversity brought to life on stage engages in a dialogue with the simple yet striking set design.

Cast: Rea Bienz, Kirstin Walser

Director: Team

Set design and puppets: Ursula Bienz, Hanna Bienz

Music: Reto Karli

External perspective: Irène Trochsler