Must ja Valge Koer / Black & White Dog by Teater TEMUFI

‘Must ja Valge Koer’ (Black & White Dog) by Teater TEMUFI is a joyful and spirited non-verbal performance for young audiences (and their grown ups!). The show is based on the same, well loved, Czech cartoon from the early 70’s – late 80’s. In this schmick visual comedy, we see three skilled and seasoned actors perform well executed physical gags, reminiscent of the comedians of silent film, to delight kids and adults alike. As it’s all non-verbal, it’s also 100% accessible to young children (and their grown-ups) who are still on the road to becoming Estonian speakers.

‘Must ja Valge Koer’ centers around two spritely pups and the antics that ensue as they try to make a home for themselves under a great oak tree belonging to a clever but testy crow. As the excitable crowd of young families take their seats, we are enchanted by the set – the oak tree and shrubs – playfully stylised as a 2D cartoon world, (design, Berta Kelder). The tree is beautifully silhouetted by a softly lit, pink morning fog, (lighting, Kris-Kervin Mölder), and accompanied by a floaty, dream-like soundscape (sound, Martin Aulis) of chirping grasshoppers and the occasional mischievous ‘pop!’ or other exciting cartoonish sound effects which remind us that something exciting will happen soon!

We soon meet the crow, played by Natali Väli, who immediately engages the young audience with her vibrant grooviness- getting the party started with her flash record player from the get go. It’s not long before a bulging sack bounces onto the stage, containing the black and white dogs. The spritely pups, played by Silver Kaljula and Rauno Kaibiainen, bring inadvertent chaos to the crow’s morning as they gleefully explore their new surroundings in mis-en-scene’s bubbling with physical gags.

Those familiar with performer Rauno Kaibiainen’s work will not be surprised that this show should include very precise physical comedy with expert timing. He, Väli and Kaljula are a tight team, directed by Tanel Ting in a style akin to that of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, or Laurel and Hardy (though without the animosity!). Smart but funky costume design by Age Maasik also nods to this era.

‘Must ja Valge Koer’ is a cheerful, enlivening and heartwarming piece of children’s theatre. Notably, this work diverges from the new norm of fast paced videos and cartoons – this show is engaging without being overstimulating. It’s comfortingly formulaic yet full of surprises. Although the show starts with a great clash between the crow and the dogs, the narrative then weaves toward heartfelt but subtle hints at the benefits of tolerance and acceptance-of-difference in times of change. The ensemble work with such artistry that a thirty-something year old man in the audience was heartily laughing out loud and commenting on the genius of their jokes to his partner beside him.

The artistry involved in the delivery of ‘Must ja Valge Koer’ guarantees it to be a performance that both young children and adults alike will enjoy – perhaps even remarking, like that thirty-something year old man afterwards, “It’s over already!?” You can catch this show at Teater TEMUFI’s home stage in Viljandi through October and December – but keep your eyes peeled for dates coming up around Estonia.

Author: Shannon Quinn

Actor / playwright / illustrator Aussie born, Eesti living. Insta: @shannons.cannon Website: www.shannonmakestheatre.com