ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE
The Forest is an award-winning interactive dance performance that combines live movement, animation, music, and audience participation. Inspired by Forest Song, the 19th-century poetic drama by Ukrainian writer Lesya Ukrainka, the work explores two parallel realms: the mystical world of nature and mythological beings, and the human world of choices, challenges, and resilience.
“Children are invited to actively shape the story, transforming from spectators into co-creators of the performance. The piece integrates South African Amapiano dance grooves, Ukrainian folk traditions, immersive animation, and a specially composed score blending sopilka (Ukrainian flute) with modern beatboxing.” – Kateryna Aloshyna, choreographer and co-founder of the Art Educational Platform “Contemporary Dance Laboratory” (NPC in Paarl).
This interactive experience invites children to actively engage or simply observe, allowing each child to shape their own unique journey through The Forest.
At its heart, The Forest reminds us that losing our connection to nature means losing a part of our soul – a message that resonates strongly in today’s world of climate crisis, displacement, and uncertainty.
Come explore “The Forest” – where imagination takes the lead, and every child’s voice matters.
For media interviews, please contact +27 82 722 7231 or [email protected].
About the Project
Inspired by the timeless literary masterpiece The Forest Song by Lesya Ukrainka, this production was created in 2021 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the legendary Ukrainian poet. Blending contemporary dance with powerful storytelling, the performance bridges cultures, generations, and artistic expression.
“I’m alive! I’ll live eternally! I have that in my heart which cannot die!” excerpt from the book “Forest song” by Lesya Ukrainka — a writer, translator, folklorist, public and cultural activist, a world-class figure, her portrait appears on Ukraine’s 200 hryvnia note (valued at approximately R100).
The Forest was presented at the National Arts Festival Fringe 2025 as part of ASSITEJ South Africa’s Family Fare Hub, where it received an Ovation Award 2025, recognising its artistic excellence and impact.
Creative Team
Idea & Choreography: Kateryna Aloshyna (Ukraine/South Africa)
Dancers: Carren Johannisen (Wellington, SA), Abigail Johnson (Paarl, SA), Tyla Kleyn (Cape Town, SA) and Andre Maarman (Cape Town, SA)
Music: Maksym Berezhnyuk (Ukrainian sopilka) & Dmytro Aleksienko (beatboxing)
Animation: Mykyta Budantsov (Ukraine)
Partners Bios
About Contemporary Dance Laboratory (CDL) Established in 2023, CDL is dedicated to promoting contemporary dance as an innovative art form that fosters professional collaboration and social reflection. Through various artistic mediums, CDL advocates for the rights and well-being of children and youth, recognising the transformative power of the arts. CDL is an affiliate of the Paarl Valley Eisteddfod (PVE) and a proud member of ASSITEJ South Africa. For more information follow us on social media.
About ASSITEJ South Africa Founded in 2007, ASSITEJ SA is committed to nurturing theatre for young audiences by supporting artists, integrating performing arts into education, and advocating for every child’s right to creative expression. For more information, please visit www.assitej.org.za.
About Ukrainian Association of South Africa UAZA (NPO 189-705) is a collaborative association registered in May 2017 that promotes networks between Ukrainians and South Africans for mutual development, increased awareness and inner growth of individuals and societies. For more information, please visit www.uaza.co.za.
Showtimes:
🔹 31 Jul (Friday) | 10:30 and 14:30
🔹 01 Aug (Saturday) | 12:00 and 14:00
🔹 07 Aug (Friday) | 10:30 and 14:30
🔹 10 Aug (Monday) | 10:30
🔹 14 Aug (Friday) | 10:30 and 14:30
🔹 15 Aug (Saturday) | 10:00 and 12:00
📍 Venue: Baxter Thatre Center, Cape Town
🎟 Tickets available at the Webtickets
We created this space for you. We want you here.
MEDIA CONTACT:
📞 +27 82 722 7231
📧 [email protected]
