Budapest, 1 April 2025 – How does the forest tell the story of evolution? What stories does nature tell us?
This April, a unique theatrical walk along the Children’s Railway (Budapest) invites audiences into a world where fairy tales and science intertwine in an interactive performance. “Do you see this rose bush? When it starts to wilt, know that I’m in trouble “* is a site-specific performance that blends evolutionary biology, storytelling, dance and drama pedagogy, circus arts, and ecosomatics.
The performance is part of the Please ASK! project, initiated by three innovative cultural organisations: Arte Urbana Collectif (Sofia), Pro Progressione (Budapest), and Dafa Puppet Theatre (Prague). The project aims to foster collaborations between artists and scientists to create performances that promote scientific literacy and critical thinking. This one-of-a-kind production is not just a show, it’s a living learning experience. Participants become active explorers as they walk through the forest, discovering the story of evolution in a playful, immersive way that intertwines nature with human narratives. At the end of the journey, the group transforms their shared insights into a collective theatre scene.
“Evolution is a never-ending process. It’s happening all around us, even today. Our stories evolve just like the living world: constantly changing and interacting. And we write them together. That’s the experience we want to share with our audience,” says Viktor Szivák-Tóth, the director of the production.
The theatre walk was created by a team of artists dedicated to blending artistic and scientific disciplines in new, engaging ways.
Cast and creators:
Performers: Dorottya Biró, Pál Nyáry, Dorottya Podmaniczky, Napsugár Trömböczky
Scientific Expert: Lajos Rózsa (Centre for Ecological Research)
Dramaturg: Panka Paskuj
Director: Viktor Szivák-Tóth
Maximum number of participants: 40
Tickets are required and include a ride on the Children’s Railway.
The performance supports the Jane Goodall Intézet Roots & Shoots programme.
Performance times: April 12-13, 2025
Meeting point: Children’s Railway, Budapest – Hűvösvölgy Station
The language of the performance: Hungarian
• 12th April (Saturday)
Morning performance:
Start: 10:00 | Expected end: 11:30
Afternoon performance:
Start: 15:50 | Estimated end: 17:20
• 13 April (Sunday)
Morning performance:
Start: 10:00 | Expected end: 11:30
Afternoon performance:
Start: 15:50 | Expected end: 17:20
Teaser: https://vimeo.com/1069982527?share=copy#t=0
Performance details: https://proprogressione.com/en/news/do-you-see-this-rose-bush-when-it-begins-to-wilt-know-that-im-in-trouble-premiere/
Tickets: https://proprogressione.jegyx1.hu/kereses/eloadas/4446
Read more about the project: https://pleaseask.eu
“Do you see this rose bush? When it starts to wilt, know that I’m in trouble”* performance is created within the Please ASK! project, which is co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union.
With the support of the National Cultural Fund.
READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE