Jasmine
and
the Squirrel
and
the Squirrel
the story of a brave Roma girl's journey to becoming a star musician, of a sassy squirrel, and a grandmother who's a master at crocheting. It's a story about daring to be yourself and following your dreams!
“
This story about t a talking squirrel and a brave, young Finnish Roma girl who became a singer inspires children to make their dreams come true. The following workshop is engaging and promotes equality nicely.
“My grandmother was a strong-willed person. She was incredibly brave to flee from Karelia as an evacuee. She never got to return home but had to start her life over in Helsinki,”
— Jasmine recalls.
— Jasmine recalls.
Courage and Passion
Recommended age from 4 years with an adult, from 5 years in a school group. The performance is aimed at families with children, as well as preschool and primary school pupils aged 5–9 and their educators.
Jasmine, a young Roma girl, lives in Helsinki with her grandmother, who once came there as an evacuee from Karelia. Jasmine spends her childhood with her grandmother, but also in Sweden and at a boarding school. Life is full of challenges – school feels foreign, she faces prejudice, and feels different. But one day, a guitar is placed in her arms, and through it she finds her strength, her voice, and a sense of belonging.
Through perseverance, courage, and passion, she moves forward step by step – all the way to the Eurovision Song Contest, where she represents Finland on stage.
On stage, we see Jasmine herself sharing her story. She is joined by actor Riina Tikkanen, who brings life into Elina Sarno’s charismatic puppets.
Through perseverance, courage, and passion, she moves forward step by step – all the way to the Eurovision Song Contest, where she represents Finland on stage.
On stage, we see Jasmine herself sharing her story. She is joined by actor Riina Tikkanen, who brings life into Elina Sarno’s charismatic puppets.
Not only performance
The performance includes an interactive workshop about courage, daring to be yourself, helping others, sharing joy, and celebrating together!
The workshop is based on methods from Independent Theater in Budapest and is led by Frida Vuorio and Milena Parland.
The workshop is based on methods from Independent Theater in Budapest and is led by Frida Vuorio and Milena Parland.
Cast & Creative
Playing herself is Jasmine Valentin, a Finnish Romani singer. She represented Finland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1996 with the song Niin kaunis on taivas,
Elina Sarno has a Master's degree in Theatre Arts. Her previous partner theatres include DuvTeatern, Teatteri Metamorfoosi, Wasa Teatern, Teater Viirus and Grus Grus Teater.
Riina Tikkanen is a performer and puppeteer who works in varying ensembles and working groups, moving between puppetry, objects, materials and physical theatre.
Elina Sarno has a Master's degree in Theatre Arts. Her previous partner theatres include DuvTeatern, Teatteri Metamorfoosi, Wasa Teatern, Teater Viirus and Grus Grus Teater.
Riina Tikkanen is a performer and puppeteer who works in varying ensembles and working groups, moving between puppetry, objects, materials and physical theatre.
- Elina SarnoDirection and puppets
- Jasmine ValentinMusician
- Riina TikkanenPuppet actor
“Many people genuinely don’t know what Roma culture is really about. To me, Roma culture means getting along with everyone, being tolerant, and helping others when they’re in trouble.”
— Jasmine Valentin
Public About th Play
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This is a very good performance and wonderfull music. There are a lot of things and perfect rhythm. It is great for kids, and also parents.
Upcoming Performances
to be anounced
Price / 10–25 €.
Running time / 1 hour.
Age restriction / 4+
Price / 10–25 €.
Running time / 1 hour.
Age restriction / 4+
With Support From
Thank you
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