The performance tells the story and struggle of a little jellyfish who is born square – different, as all other jellyfish are round. The viewer is gradually introduced to the jellyfish’s exclusion, struggles, as well as the feelings of sorrow and loneliness that arise. At the same time, however, it also captures moments of seeking and striving to understand one’s self and others. This can lead to an inner peace and understanding of one’s differences, as well as the differences of others, and ultimately to a happy ending. This is the core idea of the story. The performance offers a chance for children to get to know a magical underwater world, as well as get a taste of contemporary Japanese art. It is no coincidence that Japanese artist Yumi Mráz Hayashi collaborated with us on telling this Japanese tale. Her participation and unique personal history are crucial to the directorial and artistic vision. Her stage setting will serve as an introduction to some elements of Japanese art and bring inspiration for the origami workshop that follows the performance.
The director of The Little Jellyfish, Zoja Mikotová, is the founder of the Atelier of Educational Drama for the Hard of Hearing in the Czech Republic, at JAMU University in Brno, and is also the founder of a professional theatre for the Deaf and hard of hearing.
She has received numerous awards, most recently the prize of the Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic for Lifetime Achievements (2022).
This is the first Japanese children’s title performed in Slovakia, as well as the very first Japanese-Slovak puppetry collaboration, thanks to the participation of Mrs Yumi Mráz Hayashi. https://en.yumi-hayashi.com/about

Based on a Work By: Yoshitomo Imae
Setting: Yumi Mráz Hayashi a.h.
Music: Zdeňek Kluka a.h.
Dramaturgy: Iveta Škripková
Script, direction: Zoja Mikotová a.h.
Production: BDNR ateliers under the lead of Katarína Mažáryová
Lights: Pavol Bukovina
Sound: Marek Horváth
Photography: Dodo Šamaj
Premiere: March 19, 2023
Length: 40 minutes (no intermission)
Cast:
Marianna Mackurová
Marianna Ďuranová
Peter Vrťo a.h.

This performance is put on as part of the MOFEM project – the Theatre of Mobility, Emotionality, and Flexibility. Its goal is to capture the attention of disadvantaged audience members and allow them access to the art of theatre. This endeavour contributes to inclusion
within the theatre in the process of communicating with the audience. Through the production, focused on mobility, flexibility and emotionality, we bring the attention of the general public to various disadvantages experienced by others.

Realized with the financial support of the Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region.
Realized with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture of Slovakia.
Realized under the patronage of the Japanese Embassy in Slovakia.