We create Original productions and innovative puppetry from Northwest iceland.
Follow the Wind HomeFollow the Wind Home is a heartwarming adaptation of Auður Þórhalldóttir’s delightful children´s book of the same name. When two siblings return to their childhood summer house on an arctic island, they rediscover the magic of their youth through memories of a special summer and a baby eider duck who stole their hearts. Separated from his family, the duckling is found by their old, wise dog, sparking a unique friendship. Although the duckling finds love and safety with the dog and his family, he yearns for the freedom of the skies.
An ode to childhood and the memories that bind us, Follow the Wind Home is a tale of fitting in, self-discovery, and the courage to take flight. Perfect for all ages, especially families with children under 8. Follow the Wind Home premiered in Iceland in June 2024 under it´s Icelandic title: Með vindinum liggur leiðin heim. Supported by the Listamannalaun and Sviðlistasjóður. |
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HEIMFERÐ: MOETIVI CARAVANHeimferð: Moetivi Caravan is a performing arts project between Arctic Culture Lab Norway, Handbendi Brúðuleikhús, Iceland and ProFit Art, Czech Republic. The project explores the idea of home, whether we can take our home with us, and what it means to be forced from our homes. We invite the audience into our travelling theatre caravan, our own home away from home, for unique performances that use animation, music, theater, puppet theater, object theater and audiovisual production. In collaboration with ProFitArt, Czech Republic and Arctic Culture Lab, Norway, with support from EEA grants.
Heimferð premiered as part of Listahátið Reykjavík 2022 and toured nationally, doing over 130 performances in Iceland. Supported by EEA Grants Culture Programme, Listamannalaun, and Sviðlistasjóður. |
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MeadowMeadow is an award-winning original puppetry show for young audiences. Developed at Little Angel Theatre in London where it premiered in 2015. The production has toured across europe critical acclaim.
The grass remembers. It remembers you. It remembers me. And it remembers the animals that called the meadow home. Time changes everything. In a post-human future, only the grass remembers the way things used to be. Meet the animals and insects that lived in the meadow, and see their stories come to life. Handbendi´s multi award winning production is told with inventive handcrafted puppets made from organic materials found in the meadow and original music by the outstanding singer/songwriter Paul Mosley. Created and directed by Greta Clough. Set design by Jamie Wheeler. Supported by Arts Council England. Engi was recently recognised for puppetry excellence with a special award at the 35th Internal Festival Valusr in Łomza, Poland. |
"Meadow is the antithesis of the sort of children’s theatre that rushes towards its audience, singing, juggling, crying out for audience participation. Like a wild animal, it requires your gentle attention, unfolding its treasures shyly and quietly. ..." (Total Theatre) |
TOMtenWHEN ALL IS QUIET ON THE FARM, WHEN EVERYONE IS ASLEEP, WHEN THE SNOW COVERS THE GROUND AND THE STARS TWINKLE IN THE FROSTY SKY - THAT'S WHEN THE TOMTEN WAKES UP. HE WATCHES OVER THE CHILDREN AND ANIMALS ON THE FARM WHILE THEY ARE SLEEPING. SOMETIMES YOU CAN SEE HIS FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOW. THAT'S HOW YOU KNOW HE IS REAL.
Tomten follows an immortal tomte (Swedish elf or gnome) as he watches over a small farmstead on mid-winters night. It is a gentle story about life and death. Full of delightful farm characters and Swedish charm, Tomten is performed by three puppeteers using a variety of puppetry styles. This charming adaptation of Viktor Rydberg's classic poem is a delight for children 3+ and families. Tomten was created with the support of Arts Council England and premiered at Little Angel Theatre, London as part of FIRSTS Festival, March 2013. |
"Soothing and charming, intricate and calming...very talented children's artists indeed." (A Younger Theatre) |
Duvet DayWe’re staying in bed all day. So put on your snuggliest pyjamas, grab your favourite toy, and crawl inside the blanket fort to play – it’s duvet day!
Duvet Day is an immersive theatre experience for babies 0-18 months. Full of fun puppets, sensory objects to explore, and gentle storytelling, it is an ideal introduction to the joys of theatre and group play. There’s also plenty of time to take a deep breath and snuggle up with your little one, letting imagination bring you to the cooling shade of the forest, experience life on a cloud, and discover who lives under the sea. Concept, design and puppets by Greta Clough. Music by Paul Mosely. Devised by Greta Clough and Aya Nakamura Our best selling show for babies. premiered in 2014. This wonderful, versatile, award-winning production for the youngest of audiences (0 - 3 years) tours globally and is the perfect addition to any festival. Our self contained, immersive set can travel to theatres, nurseries, libraries, and more. |
"Magnificent and entrancing....This is one piece of puppetry theatre for the youngest of audiences that is not to be missed." (Curious Mum, London) |
TRÖLLFor 17 million years, give or take a century or two, the trolls have had the island all to themselves. They've dug canyons, made themselves cozy caves, and enjoyed the quiet tranquility of the midnight sun. The trolls were happy. But now... Now everything is different. The humans have come. Building houses. Laying roads. Making noise... Lots, and lots of noise. Will these very different beings be able to live together?
Tröll reimagines some of Iceland´s most popular folk tales, told through the eyes of a little girl and her unusual friend in the mountains. With handcrafted puppets and a stunning original score influenced by old world melodies by Paul Mosely. A little bit folk tale, a little bit ghost story, all magic. Tröll is an unmissable experience for the whole family. Developed in Hvammstangi , Tröll premiered at Samkomuhusið in Akureryri in February 2017. Tröll has finished 3 international tours, including a sell out run at the London Southbank Centre. Supported by SSNV, Listamannalaun, and Sviðlistasjóður. |
"...a beautiful piece of visual puppetry theatre... full of intricate details and surprises and wonderful gnarly characters." (Tilly Lunkin, Puppet Centre Trust, UK) |
BúkollaWhen the family cow goes missing it is up to a young boy to find her. Iceland's favourite folk tale is an epic story of friendship featuring a magic cow, mischievous trolls, and beautifully handcrafted puppets. This 25 minute show tours to nurseries, schools, libraries, theatres, barns, community halls, tents, living rooms...you get the idea.
Each show is accompanied by a 1 hour puppet making class. Búkolla premiered in 2016 in Hvammstangi and has toured with the national programme List fyrir alla in Iceland, to nursery schools across the country and performed at Act Alone festival in the West Fjords, and at Hof in Akureyri. |
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