Spotlight On: Aya and the Butterfly
Heart-warming puppet theatre exploring grief, nature and hope – ideal for schools, community settings and family audiences. Suitable for ages 3–9 (and grown-ups too!)
Aya and the Butterfly By Birdlife Productions
🗓 UK Touring: April – August 2026
📍 Ideal for: Black box theatres, school halls, libraries and community venues (indoor only)
Suitable for ages 4–10 (and grown-ups too!)
About the production
A visual feast of colour, texture and transformation, Aya and the Butterfly is a gentle and joyous puppet and music show for children aged 3–9 years (and the grown-ups who love them).
Based on the book by New Zealand-Palestinian author Dr Maysoon Salama, and created by New Zealand touring company Birdlife Productions, the show follows Aya, a young girl navigating grief within a Muslim family. As she experiences the miraculous metamorphosis of the Monarch Butterfly, she begins a healing journey that restores her sense of joy and connection to nature.
This word-rich but movement-centred performance is especially crafted to support emotional wellbeing, cultural diversity, and empathy in young audiences. It is delivered with exquisite puppetry, live music, and sensitive storytelling.
“Respectful, heartwarming and poignant – has children mesmerised.”
– Yvonne Milroy, Hamilton Arts Festival“Absolutely enchanting. My inner child was spellbound.”
– Marchell Linzey, Radio Dunedin
Birdlife Productions will be visiting the UK between April and June 2026, and are currently seeking bookings for schools, festivals, libraries and family-friendly venues. The show is highly portable and designed for intimate venues (up to 120 children seated on the floor is ideal).
Show Information
Running Time: 43 minutes
Price Range: Negotiable (family-friendly pricing)
Performance Area: Flexible. Prefers flat floor space (no stage). Not suitable for outdoor performance.
Accessibility: Relaxed performance available. BSL welcome (if interpreter is provided).
Language: Spoken (English)
About Birdlife Productions
Birdlife Productions is a family-run puppet theatre company based in Aotearoa/New Zealand, known for their original, handcrafted visual theatre experiences for children and families. Their work often focuses on environmental themes, social-emotional learning, and nurturing young imaginations through music and visual storytelling.
Bridget and Roger Sanders have toured extensively across New Zealand, building a reputation for thoughtful, magical, small-scale theatre that is both intimate and impactful. Aya and the Butterfly represents their growing international ambition and a deep commitment to inclusion, peace, and environmental empathy.
Links and Media
🎬 Watch trailer
📄 Marketing pack
📷 Production photos
📚 Website
For booking enquiries: birdlifeproductions@gmail.com