Take the kids to the theatre - online
The spread of the coronavirus has prevented physical encounters in the cultural world. As a nanny, it is virtually impossible to take your children to the theatre. But instead of cancelling, many cultural forums have chosen to adapt and broadcast their works digitally, in some cases for a symbolic fee and in others for free. Culture is alive, if you will, through the internet. Even if this means some limitations in that the audience does not experience the physical encounter that culture so much is, there is still the possibility to travel around the country - from your own computer - the children to the theatre in 2021. Below are some suggestions for theatre, dance and concerts for children and young people that can be seen for free or for a small fee digitally.
Little Swan Lake, Young Dramaten Online
Sweden's Cardinal Theatre is staging Tchaikovsky's classic Swan Lake - but for younger people. Instead of the four-act ballet, a 40-minute theatre will be performed. A classical play has to fulfil the audience's expectations, which have already been laid out due to the play's status as "classical". But neither swans nor a lake appear on stage, but three other characters that the audience can interpret for themselves: are they people, deer or ducks?
The expectations of the play contribute to the characters' anxiety - not to fulfil the requirements. Instead of cancelling the play, the characters choose to make their own interpretation of Tchaikovsky's work and challenge the already established norms around the 150-year-old play. The play is about being good enough as you are and questions the norms that characterise life.
The play's director and choreographer Claire Parson wants to use her choreography and direction to challenge prevailing norms while opening up a dialogue about them. A funny play that many people, who are neither swans nor ducks, can recognise themselves in. Praise and criticism don't matter - you are good enough as you are.
Drills and dragon horns, Concert Hall for children and young people,
Author Lennart Hellsing is the progenitor of titles such as Krakel Spektakel and The ABC book, and also has the book Drills and dragon horns; the book on the instruments, which the symphony orchestra interprets.
Through works by Mozart, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, the orchestra's many different instruments and elements are explored. Bolibompa programme leader Ayla Kabaca stands in a glittering silver dress and reads Hellsing's story; in rhyme!
The concert is fun and at the same time incredibly educational - maybe even a source of musical interest?
Peter and the Wolf, Concert Hall for Children and Young People
Peter, a boy, goes for a walk with his duck, which is eaten by a wolf. The wolf is in danger of being shot by hunters, but Peter persuades the hunters to change their minds and send the wolf to a zoo instead. The story is a Russian folk tale composed by Sergei Prokofiev and has captivated children since its publication in 1936.
The story features characters such as the duck, which is later eaten, and Peter himself and his cat and bird. The characters are portrayed with the help of the clarinet and oboe, among other instruments. In addition to the colourful music, there are illustrations by IIon Wikland, who has also illustrated works such as Mio, my Mio. The music is interspersed with the actor Andreas Rothlin Svensson telling the story of Peter and the Wolf.
Despite the wolf eating Peter's friend the duck, Peter is willing to apologise to him and even protect him. The story shows the importance of forgiveness and moving on.
Concert Patrol, Concert Hall for Children and Young People
An unusual three-part series in which friends Iris, Theo and Tara investigate the blue concert hall where a mysterious object has been found. Not to give too much away, the series is incredibly rewarding, and even here it can lead to a music interest that is worthy of the name. Although it is mostly a series where the three friends discuss with each other and go on adventures, the audience also learns about music and culture in a fun and remarkable way!
The Magic House, Young People at the Opera
This three-part series explores all that is hidden at the Royal Opera House in Stockholm. The audience discovers all the colourful and cool costumes of the house and the ballet. The explorer Sara shows us around the building and everything that happens there. At the same time, there is the possibility to download a teacher's guide that you as a babysitter or parent can use to make the series even more educational!
