Ferdinand the Bull

The performance about the peaceful little bull Ferdinand, directed by choreographer Anja Mejač, uses the motifs of traditional Spanish bullfighting to address issues of compassion, integrity, and violence—the latter increasingly seeming to regain the status of a societal value in recent times.

 

Based on the popular 1936 story by American author Munro Leaf, the adaptation centers on an unconventional bull named Ferdinand. He prefers to spend his days in the company of fragrant flowers rather than running competitively across the pasture with his wild brothers. When cowboys visit one day to select the best bull for the bullfight, the flower-lover is not the most obvious choice—until an unexpected turn of events reveals that Ferdinand is not only the gentlest but also the strongest among them. But how can someone who wouldn't hurt a fly defend himself in the arena before a fearsome matador?

 

In their creative exploration, the artistic team was guided by elements of dance and musical improvisation, promising the audience an engaging production that will transport them all the way to sunny Spain through the elements of flamenco.