Whale's Navel

A 15-metre-long whale puppet that feeds on stones and happily devours the audience has arrived at the arboretum. In the belly of the whale, 33 spectators are whisked away into a dream world with the help of puppets, singing and live music - where they encounter unusual creatures, face fears from ancient times and listen to the stones. Inspired by stories and motifs from indigenous cultures, the performance raises questions about the relationship between humans and nature, our primal fears and the powers that lie within us.

 

The creators of Whale's Navel have drawn inspiration for the show from indigenous cultures around the world, from the Maori of New Zealand to the Aborigines of Australia and the peoples of North America. Their traditions are full of stories that tell of the inseparable connection between man and the nature that surrounds him. How do we find a balance between the forces within us and those around us? The heroes in the stories listen to the talking stones to find the answer. Or they descend deep underwater into their subconscious in the belly of a whale and return to land as if reborn, with new insights and new strength.

 

As part of the show takes place in the dark, the flight with the whale is only suitable for children and adults who already know how fall asleep on their own.

 

Premiere: 2 June 2025, Vočji Potok Arboretum