The actors of the Minor Theatre have gone to the zoo to prepare a play about two male penguins raising their young

The actors of Divadlo Minor have embarked on a unique journey to the zoo as they prepare for a new theatrical production centered around two male penguins who raised a chick. This play aims to convey the message that there are various types of families caring for children, each equally important. According to director Štěpán Gajdoš, the story will explore both animal and human family relationships, emphasizing the diversity and importance of respecting these differences. The narrative revolves around two male penguins in a zoo who build a nest and incubate an abandoned egg, which later hatches into a chick that they raise together. Initially inspired by an incident at New York's zoo, the team discovered a similar occurrence had taken place at Dvůr Králové Zoo in the Czech Republic.

The upcoming performance will blend puppetry and live acting, featuring puppets known as mannequins, which are controlled from behind rather than above, often using handles. These puppets will include various penguin species and sizes, ranging from large ones measuring about seventy centimeters to smaller figures creating a penguin colony. Visual artist Anna Gumboldt shared insights into the fascination with penguins' movements, noting their awkwardness on land but graceful swimming abilities. The production will be set within the daily life of a zoo, incorporating elements such as guided feeding sessions where caretakers share stories about penguin families. The actors visited the zoo to meet the actual caretakers and understand their roles better, accompanied by a psychologist during the process.

Psychologist Marcela Poláčková has previously collaborated with Gajdoš on productions targeting teenagers, such as "Poprvé." She emphasizes the importance of addressing responsible themes in children’s theater and highlights the potential of theater to communicate complex topics effectively. Her role involves guiding the cast and crew throughout the preparation process, ensuring that messages intended for young audiences are clear and free from misinterpretation. For instance, she pointed out how well-intentioned statements can sometimes be misunderstood, such as when someone says, “We love you even so,” after a coming-out moment, which might imply acceptance but could also suggest a need for change.

The premiere of the play "Tučňáci podle skutečné události" is scheduled for September 20th at the Small Stage of Divadlo Minor. Additionally, a second premiere will take place directly at the Dvůr Králové Zoo. The exhibition at the zoo features the Brünnich's penguin, the only penguin species naturally found in Africa. This collaboration between the theater group and the zoo aims to educate the public about the diverse nature of family structures while highlighting the fascinating lives of penguins in captivity.