Once upon a time, there was a little girl from Romania who came to France with her sick mother to have her heart treated. Lively and cheeky, the child quickly learnt French at school. She became her mother’s interpreter in the labyrinth of the hospital, and her role as a translator took a different turn when she began to slip in her own intentions. “Valentina” is a modern fairy tale that draws on real life to craft a gripping and deeply moving story that explores the harshness of exile, the strength of our bonds, the power of dreams and the dark side of lies. In a cocoon-like setting with dreamlike qualities that takes us from home to school to the doctor’s surgery, the five performers—a skilful blend of professionals and amateurs—make us believe in this miraculous production, which follows the intimate pulse of its heroines.
Performed in French and Romanian with surtitles. Written and directed by Caroline Guiela Nguyen
Starring Chloé Catrin, Cara Parvu, Madalina Constantin, Paul Guta and Marius Stoian, with the voices of Iris Baldoureaux-Fredon, Adeline Guillot and Cristina Hurler.
Running time: 1 hour 20 minutes. Suitable for ages 12 and over.
