Klaipėdos Youth Theatre: A-Ū — a performance for babies (dir. E. Šimelionė)

Premiere — the musical performance for babies “A-Ū!” The musical performance “A-Ū!” is an immersive theatre experience for the youngest audience members (6–24 months). It invites parents and little ones into the gentle atmosphere of a forest, where they meet a fox, a bird, a hedgehog and mysterious fireflies, hear their songs, and discover how the forest differs by day and by night. The performance is designed to engage all of a baby’s senses—hearing, sight and touch—encourage emotional expression, strengthen the bond between parents and children, and foster their first relationship with theatre. It is a safe, cosy and aesthetically pleasing first encounter with the performing arts.

The music for the performance is composed by Gytis Šimelionis. It also features live performances of classical works: Edvard Grieg’s “Morning” and Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.”

“Early artistic experience, participation in cultural activities with family, the quality of artistic events experienced, and habits of attending formed in childhood continue into adulthood and become a driving force for adults’ involvement in the arts and culture” (Elsley, McMellon 2010: 19–20).

Creative team
Director — Evelina Šimelionė
Composer — Gytis Šimelionis
Performed by KJT actors: Rugilė Latvėnaitė, Vaiva Kvedaravičiūtė, Aurimas Bareikis and Laima Akstinaitė
Puppet designer — Lina Drižiūtė Malinauskienė
Set construction — Remigijus Jančauskas
Consulting psychologist — Vika Gridiajeva
Illustrator — Berta Bocullo

Duration: 30 min. After the performance, 15 min. for free exploration and play.
Recommended for children aged 6–36 months.

The production was funded by Klaipėda City Municipality.
The theatre’s activities are funded by the Lithuanian Council for Culture.
Theatre on the Road by SDG