The plays in Rampa Theatre raise sky high the expectations for other productions for kids and youths. They are polished up to the last detail. Every time Cezary Domagała is responsible for an adaptation or script you can expect another fantastic event. So we have in this case as well. "The twins who stole the moon" has everything a kids' play needs: fast-flowing action, jolly heroes, catchy music and mise-en-scene which replenish the whole picture and do not divert our attention at the same time. Even the theatre program produced in the form of a beautiful leaflet with a soundtrack cd attached is no longer an unnecessary gimmick not worth spending a zloty on.
Did you know that Rampa Theatre has been successfully staging plays for kids and youths for 15 years already? The premiere of 'The twins...' took place on the March 27th 2015 on International Theatre Day. When the opportunity for buying tickets came I used it immediately and my kids could once again watch the adventures of their theatrical heroes.
Kornel Makuszyński used to say that there are no bad people, there are only unhappy people, and this is true of the heroes of his fairy tales. They change thanks to the influence of friendship and love; they overcome their difficulties and escape oppression. "Wet hair Maid", "The twins who stole the moon", "Wrangle for Little Barbara" "Maid Ewa Madness" and "Marry Devil's Friend" make up a wonderful land of "smiling books". They are beautiful, clever, full of universal values, but as they were written a long time ago they raise very high the expectations for today's play and movie auteurs. How should you adapt the story to current reality so as not to discourage such a demanding audience as kids and youths. How can you retain the original story's character?
Cezary Domagała together with composer Tomasz Bajerski have all the answers to these questions. They have created a musical performance for the family about the unruly and sometimes even mean adventures of twin boys from the humbly named Zapiecek city. They are leaving their family environment to look for wealth and happiness, which, unfortunately, they do not connect with hard work. The play entertains and teaches us, showing what really matters in life. Taking shortcuts does not bring fortune; being a good and noble human, however, is not always trendy but in the end is always highly valued.
In fairy tales when you go off the proper path, fate gives you a chance to get back on it. And when you think about it, isn't it the same in real life? The question is whether we always can recognise and use this opportunity.
The play is embellished with 23 clever and funny songs. Kornel Makuszyński would be proud of them. My kids are still singing and humming them today.
I strongly recommend it!