Tree, a world in itself

Ages: Autistic children 4 and up 
Go to show description
Four performers are gathered around a tree in the centre of the stage, holding drum sticks.
Photo by Sylvie-Ann Paré

Image gallery

Three performers stand in a line, guiding the audience from their seats up onto the stage.
A performer plays a didgeridoo while a child sitting on stage curiously inspects the instrument.
A performer and a child the audience play with colourful, glowing eggs, and a caterpillar hand puppet.
A child and their parent watches in awe as two performers create magical visuals using a scarf, and coloured lights above their heads.
Two performers, some parents, and their children all dance in a circle around a tree on stage.
A performer poses in a large, bird puppet costume.
Two performers walk around centre stage, surrounded by audience members who sit in a circle around them. The performers link arms and hold out two large wings to either side; to look like a single, large, bird puppet flying around a tree.
Two performers observe a handful of colourful and luminous toy eggs - letting a child in the audience play with them.

Experience the Magical world of trees

In this gentle and intimate show, settle into mama bird’s cozy nest while she warms her luminous clutch of eggs. Plants, insects, and animals visit, accompanied by soothing melodies and rhythmic music. As evening falls, you’ll rest under the rising moon, stars, and the shimmering Milky Way, gathering strength to spread your wings like a fledgling bird of light. Watch the video below.

Tree, a world in itself, is a multi-sensory, interactive universe enveloped in soft light, music, and silence, where five characters continually adapt to meet the needs of their audience. It was created for Autistic children and further adapted to accomodate children with intellectual disabilities and/or reduced mobility.

In an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, the performance offers a ratio of one performing artist per child to facilitate numerous personalized interactions with audience members and thus can only accommodate a very small number of spectators at a time. Maximum one child and two adults per group. 

Boca del Lupo and the Vancouver International Children’s Festival (VICF) proudly share a long history of partnership and collaboration. This relationship continues to evolve in 2024, commencing a 3‑year partnership which will see one element of Boca’s “Micro Performance Series” being presented at the festival, from 2024 to 2026. The Micro Performance Series at VICF, will bring intimate and captivating performances to Vancouver’s young audiences, providing big impact through small scale creations and experiences.

Producing Company: Motus

Country: Québec, Canada

Genre: Theatre / Puppetry

Show length: 60 minutes

Resources: Info Guide, Visual Story

Ages: Autistic children 4 and up

Venue: Carousel Studio
1411 Cartwright St
Vancouver, BC

Neurodiverse

TICKET INFORMATION

FOR THE PUBLIC:

  • Child (4 and up) $13.50 +S/C and GST
  • Adult/Senior $23.00 +S/C and GST
more info
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Accessibility Information

Accessibility:

More Info: These performances are specially designed and adapted for neurodiverse children and offer an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. The performances offer a ratio of one performing artist per child to facilitate numerous personalized interactions with audience members. The performers continually adapt to meet the needs of their audience. 

The artists have created a visual story so you can see what the experience is like, including how to get to Carousel Studio and also what the show will be like and everything that happens.

Visual story if you come by bike or walking
Visual story if you are driving to the show
Visual story if you are taking public transit

Accessibility advisory:
- Children will be invited to participate in sensory interactions.
- Children will be invited on stage. If selected, they may bring guardian to join them. These children may be asked to participate (e.g., paint, draw, read, construct things, sing, in groups on stage, or select items on stage).
- The artists will enter the audience throughout the performance.
- The audience will be asked to walk/dance/move around during the show.

Show highlights

Rave Reviews

The show was so beautiful, we were touched by how much effort was put in to make the show accessible for neurodiverse kids. The performers were so patient and creative and had the most peaceful friendly way about them. It’s not often that we can go places and not feel somewhat judged or out of place. Even though my son still had a hard time settling, there were some really special moments where he was dancing and relaxing and exploring and it really filled us with so much joy. We loved it and are so grateful for all the effort that was put in so that my little boy and kids like him could have that special experience. 

Audience Member and Parent