National Theatre of Scotland

A couple, desperate but unable to start a family, develop an intense relationship with a tree stump carved to look like a baby.

Believing it to be real, gradually their obsession brings the lump of wood to life. As the fixation grows, so does the ‘baby’ along with its monstrous appetite.

Not content with baby food, it eats the family cat and then the postman. Things get stranger when the social worker arrives to see what’s going on.

Jan Svankmajer is a Czech surrealist artist and his work spans several media. He is known for his surreal animations and features, which have greatly influenced other artists such as Tim Burton, Terry Gilliam and The Brothers Quay.

The film of Little Otik (Otesánek) was released in 2000 to great acclaim. This production will be the first time this piece of work has been adapted for the stage.

A Vanishing Point and National Theatre of Scotland co-production, in association with the Citizens’ Theatre.

Vanishing Point is one of Scotland’s leading theatre companies. Founded in 1999, they work as a team, led by Artistic Director Matthew Lenton. Artistic Associates include performer Sandy Grierson, designer Kai Fischer and composer and musician Alasdair Macrae.

Recent shows include the award-winning Subway at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2007, Lost Ones and Mancub, revived last year as part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s Ensemble tour.

Vanishing Point’s work has been performed across the UK, as well as in France, Corsica, Sri Lanka, Kosovo and Macedonia.