By Lauren Rofe
Presented by Omusubi Productions and Monkey Baa Theatre Company at the State Library of South Australia, this 35-minute performance offered a heartfelt story about connection, difference, and belonging.
The show follows Little Bozu, a racoon shapeshifter, and Kon Kon, a shy, misunderstood fox who find each other through a shared need for friendship. After a series of mix-ups and mistaken identities, they realise they don’t need to change to belong—they just need to be themselves.
This story, derived from Japanese folklore, delivers a powerful message: that “friendship comes in many forms—and it’s OK to be weird!” This joyful closing line was met with laughter and applause, perfectly capturing the show’s spirit.
Visually, the production was a treat. The handcrafted puppets were full of charm and subtle emotion, brought to life against a backdrop of clever lighting and shadow play. The set was intriguing and imaginative, capturing the attention of my 6 and 8 years olds.
What made this production even more memorable was the genuine passion behind it. At the end of the show, creator and performer Mayu Iwasaki addressed the audience with tears in her eyes, thanking families for being part of their first Adelaide performance. Her heartfelt words made it clear just how much love and dedication had gone into bringing the story to life.
For parents looking to introduce their children to live theatre, Little Bozu and Kon Kon is an ideal choice. It’s gentle, engaging, and rich in positive messages—perfect for kids aged 4 to 9 and a reminder to us all that being a little different is something to be celebrated.
DreamBIG Children’s Festival is on until Saturday, 17 May. Check out the full program here.
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