Cocooning

“Cocooning” evokes associations with a cocoon, gentle wrapping, and gradual formation. It is a performance for babies who do not yet know what theatre is, have just started walking and talking, and are discovering the adult world. The performance does not offer a linear story; it develops through shapes, textures, sounds, and associations. “Cocooning” invites a sensory and touch-led exploration of space, where small and large worlds emerge from various objects. This visual journey is accompanied and enriched by live music. The space is created without the usual division between audience and performers, allowing the boundary between watching and taking part to become fluid. A natural, respectful interaction emerges, and a child’s first encounter with theatre can become a meaningful experience for both child and adult.

The performance’s director Anna Ivanova says of babies in theatre: "They arrive in their strollers like rulers, accompanied by attentive adults. Babies enter the performance like a river, yielding to its flow or moving against it, watching, listening, or simply being present. The baby spectator is like a little Buddha: they may not know what adults know, but they still remember what adults have already forgotten. Curious and open, they explore every detail and find joy in the very process of discovery. When creating theatre for the very youngest, we borrow this way of being from them and make it our artistic language."

The performance is intended for babies from 9 months to 2 years old. Please observe the age recommendation!

Entry to the performance space, the Chamber Hall, is without shoes! For comfort, we invite you to bring warm socks!

Creative team:

Director: Anna Ivanova (Finland)

Set designer: Jenni Rutanen (Finland)

Lighting designer: Māra Aniņa

Composer: Anrijs Sirmais

Movement consultant: Alise Putniņa

Cast: Dana Avotiņa-Lāce, Anrijs Sirmais, Miķelis Žideļūns

Rules: Theatre visit rules - Puppet Theatre

The performance is financially supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers' Culture and Arts Programme.