The Silent Step of the Bear

Giorgos Koumentakis has always loved fairy tales and myths and many of his works enter into a dialogue with both. “The Brothers Grimm fairytales” (1996) conversed with the world of classical myth in a production that was much loved by young and old alike.

“The Silent Step of a Bear” draws its inspiration from the world of literature, and more specifically from the short story that tells ‘a tale’. In so doing, it brings new possibilities into being of a dialogue on observing the world and understanding ourselves and others.

Something of a paradox at first sight, the silent step of a… wild beast traces a world of contrasts and contradictions – of difference, but also of unity – as it seeks to shed light on certain ‘other’ aspects of the world around us by engaging with music, images and the spoken word.

Opting for an interactive rather than a didactic approach, the production involves children as participants as well as observers, empowering them to frame new and creative questions about others and themselves rather than spoonfeeding them with answers.

Based on the fairytale "A Bear" by John Berger