Skopje, 18 December 2024 (MIA) — Directed by Serbian theater director Emilija Mrdakovic, Skopje's Theater for Children and Youth is staging a puppet show based on Anna Anisimova's children's book "My Woodpecker's Music" at 7 pm, with a reprise performance on Dec. 19.

The play is a story about a blind child who experiences the joys of life despite being visually impaired. "This is the story of a blind girl's unusual childhood," Mrdakovic said.

"There is no tragedy in it, but love of life. It's a story of joy and the ability to create joy – delicate, gentle, and full of love."

According to Dragana Lukan Nikoloski, who translated Anisimova's work and adapted it for the stage, the puppet show tells a warm story about a family that is functional and happy, resisting stereotypes and overcoming obstacles with feelings of warmth and empathy.

"This is a play that wants to show children, and adults, that anyone can be happy with what nature has given them. Even what society sees as a handicap can be an advantage if the child grows up with a lot of love and understanding from their environment."

The cast consists of Matea Jankovska, Ana Levajkovikj Boshkov, Martin Jordanoski and Vladimir Lazovski. The set, costumes and puppets were designed by Adrijana Dobreva, and the music score was written by Aleksej Mrdakovic.

The play was made possible with support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. mr/