Seen Here: Step into an enchanted world where imagination comes alive. The Forest transforms the stage into a magical adventure, inviting young audiences to dance, dream and discover the beauty of nature through award-winning storytelling. Photo Credit: Supplied
CAPE TOWN – Families and young theatre lovers are in for a magical winter experience as the award-winning children’s dance production, The Forest, arrives at the Baxter Theatre Centre from 31 July to 15 August 2026, offering an imaginative blend of dance, music, storytelling and audience participation.
Fresh from receiving an Ovation Award for Artistic Excellence at the National Arts Festival Fringe, The Forest promises an immersive theatrical journey that encourages children not only to watch the story unfold but to become part of it.
Created by Ukrainian-born, South African-based choreographer Kateryna Aloshyna, the interactive production is designed for children from Grade R to Grade 5, combining contemporary dance, animated visuals, live music and creative participation to create an unforgettable family theatre experience.
Inspired by Forest Song, the celebrated poetic drama by renowned Ukrainian writer Lesya Ukrainka, the production explores the delicate relationship between humanity and nature through a captivating story that moves between the mystical world of forest spirits and the everyday realities of human life.
Unlike traditional theatre productions, The Forest invites children to become active participants, allowing every performance to unfold differently.
“Children are invited to actively shape the story, transforming from spectators into co-creators of the performance,” says Aloshyna.
She explains that the production seamlessly blends South African Amapiano dance, Ukrainian folk traditions, immersive animation and a specially composed soundtrack featuring the haunting sounds of the sopilka, a traditional Ukrainian flute, alongside modern beatboxing.
A Celebration of Culture, Creativity and Nature
Beyond its visually stunning choreography, The Forest delivers an important environmental message.
At its heart lies a simple but powerful reminder that humanity’s wellbeing is deeply connected to the natural world.
Through fantasy, movement and music, the production encourages children to appreciate the beauty of nature while inspiring conversations around environmental conservation, resilience and community.
Its universal themes make the production particularly relevant for a generation growing up amid climate change, environmental challenges and rapid social transformation.
International Inspiration Meets South African Creativity
Originally created in 2021 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lesya Ukrainka, The Forest has evolved into a globally relevant artistic collaboration that bridges cultures through performance.
The production features accomplished dancers Carren Johannisen, Abigail Johnson, Tyla Kleyn and Andre Maarman, accompanied by original music performed by Maksym Berezhnyuk on the sopilka and internationally acclaimed beatbox artist Dmytro Aleksienko, while immersive animated visuals by Mykyta Budantsov bring the enchanted forest to life.
The result is a vibrant sensory experience that introduces young audiences to contemporary dance while celebrating cultural diversity through movement, sound and storytelling.
An Award-Winning Family Experience
Following its acclaimed success at the 2025 National Arts Festival Fringe, where it earned an Ovation Award, The Forest has established itself as one of South Africa’s most innovative children’s theatre productions.
Its interactive format, artistic excellence and educational value have positioned it as a standout production that appeals equally to children, parents and educators.
Performance Details
The production runs at The Baxter Theatre Centre from 31 July to 15 August 2026, with multiple performances scheduled throughout the season.
Running for approximately 45 minutes without an interval, the show is recommended for children aged five years and older.
Ticket prices include:
- Standard tickets: R150
- Family package (four people): R125 per person
- School and group bookings (10 or more): R85 per person for selected Friday morning performances.
Following its Cape Town season, The Forest is expected to embark on a Johannesburg run later this year, with dates to be announced.
Blending imagination, movement, education and audience interaction, The Forest offers far more than entertainment—it delivers an inspiring theatrical adventure that celebrates creativity, cultural exchange and the timeless bond between children and nature.
