This children's show, which invites us to see difference as something that makes us unique, brings to the stage a short-necked giraffe, a winged mole, an elephant without a trunk, a pelican without legs, a thin hippopotamus, a toothless crocodile, a long-haired bear and a lion without a mane. Unable to match what would be "normal" for their species, these animals feel out of place, useless and alone. A storm drives them to take shelter in a cave, where they share their fears, frustrations and the desire to be like the others. It is then that they discover they are part of a story and decide to look for their creator, hoping to be "corrected". What begins as an attempt to erase what makes them different, however, turns into an unexpected discovery about identity, acceptance and the value of each one. With an accessible and fun approach, Being Different Is Normal, written by Rui Malvarez and directed by Luís Lourenço, proposes a reflection on the importance of accepting difference and understanding that there is not just one right way to be.
Production details: Plano 6. Rui Malvarez, author; Luís Lourenço, direction.