Deep in the sea, Petite Ondine, daughter of the King of the oceans, feels like a stranger among her own kind. Her only wish is to discover the world above. But in the kingdom of mermaids, swimming on the surface is forbidden until the age of fifteen. She secretly goes to the Witch of the Seas, the only one who can grant her wish. The sorceress issues a warning: in order to reach land, she will have to give up a part of herself. Will she find her place among humans?
Anaïs Pellin freely revisits Andersen’s famous fairy tale, peppering it with a touch of feminist emancipation. Using object theatre and an enchanting musical score, this coming-of-age story explores self-discovery and the choice of one’s destiny through a heroine obsessed with independence who stretches the confines of a life too narrow for her.
Production Théâtre la Seizième and Kleine Compagnie (Vancouver)
Ideation, writing and direction Anaïs Pellin
Text Anaïs Pellin, in collaboration with Thérèse Champagne and Ghislaine Doté
Performance Thérèse Champagne, Ghislaine Doté
Dramaturgy advisor Matilde Benignus
Set and costume design Julie Vallée-Léger
Props, set and costume design assistant Emma Knox
Video advisor and puppetry Chloe Ziner
Musical composition Sophian Alkurdi
Assistant director and stage management Cassandra Bourchier
Stage management Emma Graveson
Technical direction Chengyan Boon
Grade levels From Kindergarten to Grade 6
Show length 50 minutes (+ 10 minutes Q&A)
Cost Early bird rate, until Nov. 7: $950; regular rate: $1000 (no GST)
Total number of seats Max. 350 students
Venue In your theatre, gym, or any other space that can accommodate a show and its audience.
Educational material Study guide provided 1 month before the performance
Eligibility PassepART program and Culture en classe (CPF) program
On tour at the Festival Petits Bonheurs (Montreal) : May 7 and 8, 2026
