True theatrical magic unfolded in the courtyard of Uzhhorod Preschool Education Institution No. 30. On a warm autumn day, the children gathered outdoors to meet some unusual inhabitants of the Carpathian forests and cozy attics. Actors from the “Bavka” Transcarpathian Academic Regional Puppet Theatre brought with them an eco-themed performance titled “The Adventures of Kozhyk and Letyk.”

The plot is based on the children’s ecological fairy tale “Little Bats” (Kazhanchyky) by Nataliya Humen-Bilanych. Through colorful puppet characters, the children learned that bats are not mystical creatures at all, but rather hardworking nocturnal helpers of nature that protect us from swarms of insect pests. The actors also explained why bats should not be disturbed during their winter hibernation, and why it is important to preserve old, hollow trees as well as safe crevices in buildings—places where these winged mammals make their homes.

The children watched, completely spellbound; they followed every flutter of the tiny puppets’ wings, laughed together, worried about Kozhyk and Letyk during their adventures, and eagerly engaged with the actors.

Fostering ecological awareness through a live fairy tale helps instill—from a young age—a respect for the environment and a genuine concern for preserving the rich diversity of life in our region.

This series of screenings is made possible through the collaboration between the Ecology Commission of the Mukachevo Greek Catholic Eparchy (MGCE) and the Interreligious and Civil Environmental Forum of Eastern Europe (IRCEF), with the generous support of the Archdiocese of Bamberg (Erzbistum Bamberg).

IRCEF Information Service