Laika
CAST AND PRODUCTION TEAM
Collective creation:
Stage direction:
Actors:
Christian Olivé
Daniel Carreras
Iolanda Llansó
Set and props:
Costumes and props::
Projections:
Lighting:
Original music:
Sound effects:
Yurena (voice in off):
The General (voice in off):
Puppet construction:
Executive production:
General production:
CHARACTERISTICS
Recommended age:
Duration:
Performance area:
SYNOPSIS
1957. We are in Moscow. In the midst of the Cold War and the Space Race. Laika is a puppy who survives on the streets of the frozen city. Little does she imagine that her destiny will carry her into space in the Sputnik II spacecraft, that she will be remembered in humanity’s history as the first living being to orbit the Earth. A puppy who also fell victim to abuse in others’ power struggles.
In this show, Xirriquiteula Teatre uses techniques as diverse as live rear projections, puppets, automatons, shadow play and acting. The characters speak in pseudo-Russian gibberish, accompanied by a magnificent soundtrack. All of these elements have been delicately woven together through long and intensive collective work, to which each actor has brought their individual skills and knowledge.
A show for all ages, recommended for children aged four years old and upwards. Not only does it speak of the sky’s marvels but also of the Earth’s injustices.
PHOTOS
AWARDS
· 2021 MAX Award. Best Show for Family Audiences. Spanish Association of Authors (SGAE)
· 2020 GUINEUETA Award for a show’s evolution. Friends of Teatre Zorrilla de Badalona
· 2019 FETEN Award Gijón. Best Authorship and Direction
· BBVA 2019 Award. Best Show
· 2018 CRITIC’S Award. Best Show for Family Theatre
· VENUS 2019. Special Merit. Badalona City Council
· DRAC D’OR 2018. Children’s Jury Best Show. Lleida International Puppet Fair
· DRAC D’OR 2018. Best Scenography. Lleida International Puppet Fair
PRESS
(…) Xirriquiteula have dared to build a show with a Soviet aesthetic, an invented language and a highly effective play of projections against a pared-down stage set. It is a gorgeous work. And courageous.
Xirriquiteula does not shy away from including dramatic plots in their theatrical productions.
Jordi Bordes, 15th March 2019(…) Laika tells a beautiful tale of affections, well able to charm audiences of all kinds. Yet beyond the story lies a brilliant scenic resolution, using a very few elements to great effect. (…) This tremulous interplay that captivates viewers finally brings feelings gushing forth.
Iolanda G. Madariaga“What Xirriquiteula Teatre has done with Laika is admirable: recreating the sad or epic gesture of the world’s most famous dog through a complex artistic and technical project that leaves no soul unaffected. (…) It is imaginative in its telling – oxygenating the story with suspense and touches of clowning – while innovative in its format – demanding a high degree of coordination from the actors, who are both on-stage technicians and puppeteers”.
Núria Cañamares
DOWNLOADS
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