On a hill draped in forest, in a castle split asunder by lightning, lives Ronia—a spirited girl born into the family of the robber chief, Matt. While her days are filled with playful mischief amongst the band of robbers and the loving care of her parents, beyond the castle’s ancient walls lies an enchanted forest, inhabited by gnomes, harpies, and all manner of wondrous creatures. Hoping that she will one day inherit command of the clan, Matt looks on as his daughter grows.
Their everyday life—brimming with looting, feasts, and song—is suddenly upended when Matt’s lifelong rival, Borka, settles on the opposite side of the castle with his own band. Among them is Borka’s son, Birk. From the moment Ronia meets him, she senses that he is the kindred spirit she has always longed for. Though the children initially carry on their parents’ feud and stubbornness, shared escapades and tribulations gradually draw them together. Their secret friendship tests both families, eventually leading to a courageous escape into the heart of the forest.
Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter is one of the most cherished stories by celebrated Swedish author Astrid Lindgren (1907–2002). Her works have been translated into more than 95 languages and have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Medal—the highest international award for creators of children’s literature. Lindgren introduced the world to such beloved characters as Pippi Longstocking, Karlsson-on-the-Roof, and Emil of Lönneberga.
“Ronia came about because I missed the open fields and deep woods while living in the city. I imagined a mountain with a robbers’ castle on top, split in two. I wondered, ‘Who lives there?’ Then I saw it—one robber family has a daughter, the other a son, just like Romeo and Juliet. At first, they quarrel and tease one another, but little by little they become friends,” Lindgren once remarked.
“Ronia is a girl who dares to chart her own course. Though she shares much with her father, she cannot reconcile herself with his view of the world and remain within his stronghold. She must discover for herself what it means to be a friend, to love, and to endure loss,” says director and playwright Eglė Švedkauskaitė. “When the children flee into the forest, not only are they forced to grow up, but they also show the adults that true strength lies in learning to live together and unite. I believe the lessons in Lindgren’s story are more timely and vital than ever. Our version of Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter is musical, witty, and deeply resonant—a story of growing into oneself.”
The performance features a song by the Year 4 boys’ choir of the Ąžuoliukas Music School, led by artistic director Vytautas Miškinis and choir master Daiva Leipuvienė.
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