Two Furry Tales – Puppet Theatre and Science Communication Workshops for Children and Adults
Turku will host workshops combining puppet theatre and nature research from October to December. The stories and content of the workshops are suitable for both adults and children (minimum age 5 years).
The workshops last approximately 1 hour in total, and all workshop materials are available in Finnish and English.
Experience puppet theatre and learn about urban nature
The first part of the workshops consists of two plays performed by two puppet theater artists.
- The first play revisits the famous fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood in a modern era. Follow the story of Hilkka, who is going to visit her grandmother and meets a wolf along the way. But this time, there is a twist: the wolf may not be as bad as we are used to seeing…
- The second play depicts a poor young rabbit caught in a trap. As if things were not already bad enough, a singing red fox comes by and notices him… but will this encounter truly be unfortunate, or could it be for the best?
After the plays, there will be two activity tables for children. At one table, children can draw and share their feelings about the plays, while at the other table they can get to know the puppets and meet the puppet theatre artists.
After the plays, the workshop will also feature research information about urban nature. There will be informative posters on the ecosystem services provided by urban forests, coexistence with predators, and opportunities to discuss with researchers.
The planned duration of the workshop is approximately 1 hour in total, after which participants can continue the discussion with the research group if they wish. Participants can also leave the workshop at any time (for example, immediately after the plays).
Refreshments such as coffee, tea, fruit juice and water will also be available. The workshops are completely free of charge.
Workshops:
- Wednesday 28.10. at 17:30
- Tuesday 3.11. at 17:30
- Wednesday 4.11. at 17:30
- Saturday 7.11. at 13:00
- Tuesday 17.11. at 17:30
- Thursday 19.11. at 17:30
- Saturday 21.11. at 13:00
- Tuesday 1.12. at 17:30
- Wednesday 2.12. at 17:30
- Thursday 3.12. at 17:30
Where: Jokistudio, Itäinen Rantakatu 64b, 20810 Turku
Price: Free of charge
Participants and registration: There are a maximum of 25 participants per event. The content is suitable for adults and children aged 5 and over. Please register separately for each event using the link below. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration so that someone else can take your place.
Why are the workshops organised?
Citizen participation makes a significant contribution to sustainable nature conservation and long-term coexistence with nature. Environmental art has proven to be a particularly effective means of promoting nature conservation for both children and adults.
Art can help clarify conflicts and deepen understanding by generating interest in and emotions around the topic, while keeping the experience enjoyable and participatory.
For this reason, the Urban biophilia research group at the Department of Biology at the University of Turku is organising open workshops in Turku that combine puppet theatre and science communication.
The aim is to share general information about the ecology of urban forests and predators, reduce irrational fears related to these animals, show that predation by predators is a natural and value-neutral phenomenon, and encourage appreciation of urban forests as important places for connection with nature and recreation.
