The most colourful part of the festival programme was the musical adventure play “Karlsson” – a production based on the favourite story by Astrīda Lindgrēne, with exciting music by Arne Oit. In the Tīnūži Folk House “Kraujas”, a story about the world of adults and childhood, dreams and fantasy came to life, where the youngest spectators were invited to participate in a bun feast, haunting adventures and flights with the mischievous Carlson and Little Brother.
Under the direction of Valdis Lūriņš, the play became the essence of the production – in the relationships between the characters, in the evaluations and in the actions. Karlsons, whose vivid character was played by Agris Krapivņickis, created unforgettable adventures on stage with his motto “I want to be happy, otherwise I won’t take part”, together with his little brother played by Valerija Koļago. The cast also included Laima Krieger (Mother), Salvis Sprūžs (Father), Laura Purena (Beta), Artūrs Zvirbulis (Bose), Tatjana Kopačs (Young Lady Bokas) and Mārtiņš Rooster (in several roles).
This production, with musical accompaniment by Madārs Kalniņš’ jazz band, was addressed to all generations – as Erich Kestner said, “a real children’s book is for readers from eight to eighty”. This fun and energetic production followed this same principle, offering multiple layers of perception for children and adults alike, and proving that in the world of fantasy we are all united by childhood dreams.
