Happy Birthday to a Brave Girl!
Newsletter from July 18, 2025
Hi dear student,
Happy 80th Birthday Pippi Longstocking!! The renowned Swedish children’s book author Astred Lindgren explained that “Pippi represents my own childish longing for a person who has power but does not abuse it.” Although she is the strongest girl in the world, Pippi uses nonviolence to solve conflicts. She portrays unbound phantasy and creativity to protect other children from bullying and to maintain her own sovereignty. Pippi also has tremendous challenges, she missed her mom early in life, and her dad, if still alive, is a pirate far away sailing the south seas. She lives alone with an old unwanted horse and a little monkey. Yet, Pippi is the epitome of optimism. She is warmhearted, compassionate, kind, clever, generous, playful, witty and always finds a positive way to deal with all the many challenges in life.
It was not an option for me to say no to the invitation by the National Theater of Iceland to build two characters for a main stage Production of the famed children story. Those following me on social media have witnessed the making of the Monkey Mr. Nilsson and the Horse named Little Old Man.
Today I don’t want to talk about the challenges of making these puppets but rather acknowledge the absolute privilege of being able to take part in the creation of such a mega production! I am grateful and so proud of my little Island Nation, to invest in such elaborate artistic and cultural events. A marvelous team of way over hundred artists, administrators, actors, dancers, musicians, designers, technicians celebrated a whooping premier last weekend together with an overly enthusiastic audience. Over 50 performances are already sold out in advance, which means that thousands of children and their parents will get inspired by the brave, kind, loving, warm-hearted and optimistic Pippi.
Being widely rejected at first in 1944, the adventures of Pippi Longstocking were finally published in 1945 and have ever since encouraged generations of children around the globe to let their uniqueness shine despite all odds. For us artists the constant call remains, to keep the spirit up, just like Pippi did for 80 years; to nourish kindness over bitterness, humor over self-pity, protection over bullying, and to relentlessly use our unlimited creativity and brave hearts to nurture peace, healing and hope. Unrealistic????? … come watch the show!
Sending much love from the Whalefjord in Iceland, and if you feel someone you treasure could benefit from these newsletters, please invite them to sign up via our webpage worldsofpuppets.com.
Bernd
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