We had the pleasure of attending the very lively performance Sleeping Beauty² at Ora Theatre, staged by the Hippo Theatre Group. It was a show full of energy, tremendous commitment from the actors (Giorgos Sofikitis and Valentina Kanta), and great inventiveness from the Hippo directing team (Fotis Dousos and Alexis Raptis).

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Using techniques of physical theatre, along with dance and songs set to original music (original in both senses of the word) composed by the Hippo group themselves and Nasos Patsikas, the Hippos created a vibrant and "full-bodied" performance for children and adults of all ages.

It is rare for an adult to enjoy a children's play as much as their child does. Yet, this is exactly what happens with Hippo’s productions, for two reasons: first, they avoid relying on easy tricks and mechanical-technical effects; second, they give the impression that, when preparing a performance, they don’t think of it as exclusively targeting a specific audience (such as children), but as being addressed to everyone. The script for the performance, written by Kalliopi Fykari, contains comedic elements that "click" differently with each viewer.

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The extremely fast pace and the surprises/twists in the performance are definitely its highlights, as are the various character transformations — for example, into Countess Amalia — and the very clever way Amalia is reintroduced on stage after sixteen years.

Completely avoiding any sense of didacticism, the play explores the theme of personal freedom and its boundaries through humorous lines and delightful creative touches.

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The Hippo Theatre Group — a company that has staged performances in several countries (USA, Canada, UK, Cyprus) — will present Sleeping Beauty² starting November 2 and continuing every Sunday throughout November at Studio Vis Motrix.

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Hurry — whether you have children or not — because otherwise you will miss one of the most entertaining shows of the year!