On Sunday 12th November at 2pm, Sofie Miller will take the stage at the Yorkshire Festival of Story to bring Pippi Longstocking, Astrid Lindgren’s iconic character, to life.
We recently caught up with Sofie to learn more about her portrayal of Pippi and what makes this character so inspiring for people of all ages.
Click here to book your tickets for this amazing event.
What drew you to Pippi Longstocking’s character, and what can audiences expect from your portrayal?
I used to read the Pippi Longstocking books as a child and I think she is such an amazing role model for people of all ages. She is so fearless and cool, and does all these bold things that I wish I could have done as a child.
The show provides a chaotic and playful reimagining of Pippi’s story. It’s a very interactive performance and there are lots of opportunities for the audience to get involved. There is even a craft activity at the end where they can make their own ‘Thing-Finding’ necklace.
Pippi is a strong and independent girl who has become a feminist icon in children’s literature. How do you hope your performance will inspire young viewers, particularly girls, to be confident and independent in their own lives?
I am excited to be bringing Pippi to UK audiences. She’s so well known in mainland Europe but less so over here. So it’s really nice to be sharing her quirkiness and brightness with new audiences.
I hope I will show that being a girl is really amazing by keeping the storytelling light. I want the young girls in the audience to see that they can be their own main character. I achieve this by being myself on stage. I introduce myself as Sofie Miller, a storyteller, and I am very confident in my own being. And at the end of the performance, I chat to the children and tell them how amazing they are. That one-on-one time with the kids is really important to me, because it boosts their confidence.
Pippi is known to stand up against bullying and prejudice. How does her story resonate with the festival’s theme of speaking truth to power?
There is a moment in the show when Pippi speaks up to bullies and it is one of the most resonant parts of the performance. Most of the show is very light, but this is a moment without much audience interaction when everyone is very quiet. This is important because it’s a section that needs to be heard.
When Pippi faces up to bullies, it’s always with a smile on her face. Pippi shows us that you don’t need to respond to cowardice with cowardice, or cruelty with cruelty – you can do it in kind, spirited ways. And there’s power in that – in staying true to yourself and standing up to those who try to put you down.
Pippi is famous for her mischievous nature. Can you share a favorite moment or scene from your performance that showcases her playful side?
Without providing too many spoilers, the audience can expect a fun performance involving fun props, such as hats that won’t stay on Pippi’s head and pancakes that land in her hair.
What’s the most challenging part of performing a solo storytelling show, and how do you overcome those challenges?
Sometimes it’s difficult not having anyone else to rely on on stage. It’s only you – and you have to think on your feet. But the more I do it, the easier that’s become, and the more I trust myself. I know that what I’m doing works and I can react to each situation as they occur. And that’s what makes it so much fun – the fact that no two shows are the same.
