"Paws paws kitty"is a spectacle based on one of the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm, entitled "Table, cover yourself!"
It seems like a simple story that our parents would read to us at bedtime many times, and yet it is somehow captivating, reminding us of the most basic laws that govern the world.
Two stories are intertwined in the performance: the main plot is interrupted by joking quarrels between Koza (Wioletta Sokal) and Kot (Marek Sitarski). The adventure of the three brothers begins when the animal's lie is discovered. Because of this, the brothers are banished from home by their own father.
The whole is based on visuals: you can see the efficient play of light, you can hear the mood-building, simple musical motifs. The characters of the Cat and the Goat appear in costumes (in the so-called live plan), while the other roles are played by puppets. What draws attention is the uniqueness of their workmanship: they are made of old dishes, wooden elements, as well as devices that are no longer used (e.g. a vacuum cleaner goat). The actors wear uniform, cream-colored outfits that go well with the dominant scenographic element, which is a large wagon made of bright, raw boards. It is a very functional prop: it can quickly become an inn or a miller's workplace thanks to simple construction measures that have been used in it (shutters, an open shelf, a large windmill). The changes of scenery are performed by the actors in the dance.
"Cat, Cat's Paws" is a very pleasant spectacle, which is watched with interest even when you have already crossed the threshold of adulthood. The story of brothers, each of whom learned a specific craft, and then was cheated by a dishonest innkeeper. In a way, the acting of the actors is fascinating, as they hide behind the props and at the same time (Ernest Nita deserves special applause here).
It is a very good show that shows an important story in a simple but interesting way. It is worth observing what means a puppet theater uses, made mainly for the youngest audience, who, if they succumb to its magic from childhood, may remain faithful to theater in general.
The show felt too long at times. A certain monotony was introduced by transitions between scenes, but these "flaws" did not determine the reception of the whole. After watching "Cat, Cat's Paws" for some time on the face of an adult viewer there is a pensive smile, dispelled by enthusiastic cries of children commenting on what has just happened in front of their eyes.
This type of performance hides basic truths, such as the prohibition of lying (its disastrous effects), the falsehood of strangers, and the mutual help that siblings should give each other. "Cat, Cat's Paws" dir. Marek Sitarski makes you feel positive, because fairy tales with a moral are up to date for people of all ages and living at any time. The strength of theater lies in the fact that the visual presentation of a fairy tale: gestures, props, words, emphasized by the play of lights and music, create a world in front of young and old viewers, which will always be associated with a certain Utopia from a children's land governed by inalienable laws. fantasy.
Source:
J. Marcinkowska, "A fight over a goat with a table in the background", "Teatralia Zielona Góra",
April 16, 2009.
Authors:
Adaptation: Marek Sitarski (based on the Brothers Grimm - "Table, cover yourself!")
Direction and music: Marek Sitarski
Scenography and puppet designs: Jan Polívka
Puppets made by: Rafał Budnik
Cast:
The hostess, Donkey, Goat in the puppet set - Olga Paszkowska
Goat in the live plan, Cat in the puppet plan - Wioletta Sokal
Olko - Radoslaw Chabowski
Innkeeper - Robert Gulaczyk
Father, Miller - Jerzy Kaczmarowski
Kijko - Piotr Lizak
Slawko - Ernest Nita
The cat in the live plan, The Potter - Marek Sitarski
Premiere: February 8, 2009
