Rót

Rót is a new poetic puppet play for families from Handbendi Puppet Theatre, about roots, empathy, and the stories that make us whole. The piece takes place in the summer of 1995 when a young boy in a small Icelandic town meets his grandmother, his abuelu, for the first time. She arrives from Paraguay like a burst of colour and song, bringing with her a suitcase filled with stories, memories, and a touch of magic.

Through music, puppetry, and visual enchantment, the story travels between Iceland and South America, past and present, reality and imagination. Rót is about growing up between different worlds, carrying stories from two cultures, and discovering that no one is half of anything—we are all whole. It is a heartfelt, colourful, and visually rich show celebrating family, heritage, and the beauty of being oneself.

Handbendi is an award-winning puppet theatre based in rural Northwest Iceland. The theatre specialises in original, impactful productions for audiences of all ages and tours widely abroad to great acclaim. Founded in 2016 by director, performer, and puppeteer Greta Clough, Handbendi has established itself as one of Iceland’s most original performing arts groups.

Handbendi received the Eyrarrósin Award in 2023. Rót will premiere at the Akureyri Theatre Company on 25 April and will then be performed at the Reykjavík Arts Festival with exhibitions in Kassinn at the National Theatre of Iceland in May and June.