Hercules and the 101 Stray Puppies
The Synergy of Music Theatre (SMouTh) proudly presents the new show for children, “Hercules and the 101 Stray Puppies” based on the book by Lina Mousioni, published in Greek by Metaixmio publishing house. Through a contemporary musical fairy tale, the show brings the world of the book to life and invites children and families to discover, through the heartwarming story of Hercules, the special way in which imagination, creativity, and collectivity become essential skills and qualities in daily life.
Production Credits
Writer: Lina Mousioni
Direction – Theatrical adaptation – Movement: Despoina Bounitsi
Performed by: Katerina Bekou
Original music: Dimitris Paschalidis, Filippos Zoukas
Artistic supervision: Eleni Kalampaliki
Images – Lighting design: Giannis Chatziantoniou
Technical support: Periklis Chastalis
Creative printed material: Labrouli’s Creative
Production: Synergy of Music Theatre (SMouTh)
Communication: Chrysanthi Manidou
We would like to express our warmest thanks to:
• Actors Vana Sleiman and Thanasis Saliambouchos, who lent us their voices
• The Municipal Animal Shelter of Larissa and Ms. Evridiki Goula, Deputy Mayor for Social Policy, for their hospitality and cooperation
• Metaixmio Publications for their trust and cooperation
Inspiring Bookreading! Copies of the play’s book will be available for purchase at the theater.
SHOWS
Avant premiere for school teachers and press representatives on Thursday, April 2 at 6:00 pm |World Children’s Book Day| with free admission – reservations required at 2411 812 431
Premiere: Saturday 4 April at 6:00 p.m. | World Stray Animal Day
PERFORMANCES FOR THE PUBLIC
Sunday, April 5, 6:00 p.m.
Monday, April 6, 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 7, 6:00 p.m.
Ticket price for the public: €10
PERFORMANCES FOR SCHOOLS
On weekdays from Monday 20 April to Friday 29 May 29 2026. Reservations at 2411 812 431
ABOUT THE PLAY
The book “Hercules and the 101 Stray Puppies” by Lina Mousioni narrates the story of Hercules Antonios, a sensitive and imaginative child who dreams of getting a puppy. When his parents explain that their small apartment doesnt have enough space, Hercules decides to take charge of the situation: with persistence and creativity, he builds a series of ingenious “homes” for his dream, using toys, everyday materials and his imagination.
Through his efforts, the hero learns to come up with solutions, endure disappointment and turn obstacles into opportunities. Gradually, his personal initiative takes on a collective dimension, highlighting values such as solidarity, care for animals and the power of community. This is a tender coming-of-age story that highlights how creativity and empathy can be levers for social change.
THE PERFORMANCE
The theatrical performance is based on the book “Hercules and the 101 Stray Puppies” by Larissa-based author Lina Mousioni and brings to life on stage the adventures of the young hero in the form of a contemporary musical fairy tale overflowing with humor, vitality, and tenderness. The performance does not merely narrate the story but engages creatively with it, illuminating the magical way in which an imaginative child’s perspective transforms everyday life by opening up space for dreams. Interaction with the audience, painting, simple materials and playing become tools of collective creation, through which the world of the performance is built and transformed on stage, making the theater a living space for encounter, empathy, and awareness.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
I began writing the book Hercules and the 101 Stray Puppies with the intention of giving a “voice” to children’s dreams. Dreams that are built with perseverance, imagination and creativity. I deeply believe in the power of children’s thinking, in its unpredictable, inventive, and inexhaustible creativity. In that power that often shrinks—perhaps even disappears—as, with the passage of time, it aligns itself with the «Do’s and don’ts» that accompany children on their journey to adulthood. Hercules puzzled me quite a bit with his persistent questions: How are ideas born and how do they flourish? How important are the environment and family in supporting them? What does flexibility and adaptability mean in life choices? What journeys do ideas ultimately take and how does one exercise to follow them?
To find the answers, I turned to art. Architecture, artworks and their important creators, as well as the deep love for animals that every child harbours, were the first building blocks for this story. And just when I thought the “structure” was complete, I stopped. I realized that it needed a clearer function. I wanted it to transcend individual experience and take on a collective and social character. The solution came through connecting love and care for animals with practical social service to strays.
Where even the smallest act, through the prism of generosity and love, acquires multiplied value. I feel great joy and gratitude that Hercules and the 101 Stray Puppies is coming off the pages of the book and onto SMouTh’s stage offering children not only a high-quality theatrical performance but also a memorable artistic and aesthetic experience.
I am sure that this encounter will give rise to many new ideas and that love, respect and care for every creature in nature will flourish. Lina Mousioni
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
“A book can tell a story…” This line was the opening verse of the song from the last play I directed just a year ago, inspired by Lina Mousioni’s book entitled “Fi & Li.” My connection with Lina’s style and ethics is a feeling of creative kinship that has accompanied me all these years as I read and utilize her work artistically and educationally.
However, I could not have imagined that she would so quickly give me a new, powerful reason to dive back into her world and bring it on stage. The idea came from a phrase uttered by little Hercules: “It isn’t impossible. I could find something to build a house for my dream.”
From there, I began to wander through the book’s multiple messages. Hercules’ story takes us beyond dreaming; it invites us to build our dreams with our own hands and, at the same time, to build a bridge that will allow us to meet others. Making your dreams come true and at the same time opening up ways to connect with those around you is a modern-day small feat.
We all have a Hercules inside us; not the well-known semi-god, but our strong, creative, and true self that dares to dream and evolve. Despoina Bounitsi