Theatre shows span immersive puppetry and musical comedy at Vancouver International Children's Festival

Tickets are selling fast for Granville Island offerings from May 27 to June 2, including Otosan, Robot Song, The Papa Penguin Play, and more

SPONSORED POST BY Vancouver International Children's Festival

Otosan.

This year’s Vancouver International Children's Festival runs from May 27 to June 2 on Granville Island, and there are a variety of exciting theatre shows in store for audiences.

At The NEST, Little Onion Puppet Co. will present Otosan, an immersive journey told through puppetry and real wildlife projections. When little Shizu hides in her Otosan’s suitcase and secretly travels to the dangerous North, her presence is a big surprise (and nuisance) to her gruff, no-nonsense father. Facing snowy owls, white wolves, and grizzly bears in remote locations, Otosan and Shizu must learn to tackle challenges together and communicate their love.

Yassama and the Beaded Calabash. Photo by Dahlia Katz

Acclaimed artist Lua Shayenne will bring Yassama and the Beaded Calabash, her interactive show rooted in African oral tradition, to the Revue Stage. The playful production centres a young girl who, with the help of the old Baobab tree, saves her village from drought and delivers a powerful lesson about respecting Mother Earth.

Over at the Waterfront Theatre, Carousel Theatre for Young People will stage Dave Deveau’s wholesome musical The Papa Penguin Play. Male penguins Peaches and Izzy’s daily performances at the Zoo are its main attraction—but when other penguin couples start laying eggs and having chicks, Peaches and Izzy want to start a family, too. With help from the Zoo Keeper, their dreams of parenting come to life.

One of a Kind.

One of a Kind, coproduced by The Flame, returns to the Vancouver International Children’s Festival every year with new cast members and fresh stories. In this evolving series created and directed by Deborah Williams, storytellers share their childhood tales filled with truths, cultural perspectives, family languages, challenges, laughter, and adventures.

Arena Theatre’s upbeat musical comedy Robot Song will also run at Performance Works. Juniper is constantly compared to a robot, but after encountering one on her doorstep, she begins the adventure of a lifetime. Bullies are no match for the young heroine, as she believes in herself and her passion for robots more than anything.

Audiences are encouraged to purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment, as several shows at the festival are already sold out.

For tickets and more details, visit the Vancouver International Children’s Festival.

Post sponsored by Vancouver International Children’s Festival.

Robot Song.