Alice in wonderland

The show "Alice in Wonderland" stands out primarily by addressing a theme that is both sensitive and necessary for young people: the phenomenon of bullying and how it affects adolescent development, mental and emotional health.

Equally, it touches on other implicit subjects of major importance for teenagers, such as the challenges of the parent-child relationship and managing them, the need for communication, relationships, and connection, the need for belonging, acceptance, and understanding, discovering and embracing one's identity, self-acceptance, and gaining self-confidence.

Thus, the result is a courageous and novel project, a challenge that both director Ana Crăciun Lambru and the Gulliver Children's and Youth Theater take on with confidence and the conviction that addressing and treating these themes is essential and necessary, and theater can, through artistic and creative means—including elements specific to puppet theater—successfully facilitate this endeavor.

The show "Alice in Wonderland" at the Gulliver Children's and Youth Theater tells the story of a pre-adolescent girl who can no longer cope with her life, feeling overwhelmed by too much pressure at school, from her mother who demands perfection, and by her inability and need to fit into this world. When she ends up in a mental health clinic after experiencing a traumatic event in her life, she tries to escape reality, finding refuge in a fantastic childhood story.

Unlike the isolation of the institution, the world in Alice's imagination is extraordinary, adventurous, and limitless. It is a world where nothing seems impossible, not constrained or restricted by the physical laws of the real world, time, or space. It is a world populated by interesting characters inspired by the original "Alice in Wonderland" story. Alice overlays this world on her perception of the real world, with each character in Wonderland having a counterpart in the clinic.

Ana Crăciun Lambru, who directs the show, shares the motivation behind choosing this theme and approach: "Although I have had this show in mind for over 10 years, only now is this story closer to me. Starting from the stories of Melania Medeleanu from the 'Zi de Bine' Association about the current situation of pre-adolescents and adolescents facing more and more anxiety and depression, alongside other stories of children and young people who pass by me and leave a mark, I decided that now is the time for Alice to tell her story and speak to those her age. Young people need to see representations of their stories on stage and in films, to understand that we adults see and hear them, that they are not invisible."

"Alice in Wonderland" is an impressive kaleidoscope of artistic means of expression and unique, surprising stage moments, inspired and coordinated by the show's director, Ana Crăciun Lambru, who also signs the text and lyrics that underpin this staging. Combining the unique fascination of shadow theater with live music, the art of puppet manipulation with dynamic sequences of body expressiveness, complemented by artistic interpretation, the play of humanet puppets with projection and video mapping elements, the universe of "Alice in Wonderland" is loaded with symbols, messages, and above all, emotion and feeling.

Moreover, the versatility of the decor elements created by scenographer Elena Iorga, maximized on stage through impressive technical rigor, perfectly intertwines with the synchronization power of the entire Gulliver team. The show includes the entire artistic ensemble of the theater, bringing to the stage a large cast: Elena Emandi, Adina Ariton, Andrei Ciugulea, Cosmin Cosma, Miruna Dobrotă, Andrei Dombrovschi, Aurelian Iorga, Nicole Lungu, Andrei Midișan, Nicoleta Miru-Cosma, Eduard Șișu, Valeria Taban, Lică Danilă, Elena Marin, Ramona Păuc, Gina Geru.

The video mapping elements created by Andrei Cozlac, along with Radu Marțin and Ivona Dorohoianu, provide a special atmosphere, completing Alice's emotion-filled universe and ensuring the modern, electrifying style of the show. Equally contributing is the original music created by Andrei Midișan, offering a cool-punk-rock sound, adding distinct vibration and cadence to the story.

The colorful accents and avant-garde tone are originally highlighted by Alexandra Budianu, who created the puppet and costume concepts for the show.

The result is an intense, vibrant, and hypnotic artistic experience, a cumulative array of vivid and authentic feelings that the audience will fully enjoy.

"Alice in Wonderland" is a complex and comprehensive show that opens a new horizon towards the sensitive realm of emotions. It is, in fact, about each of us. And especially, it is about every teenager who needs to see, feel, and understand that their story is not the only one.