Following the premiere of a shorter outdoor version at the National Eisteddfod, Cardigan’s Small World Theatre brings ‘Pleth’ home to Small World on Wednesday, 19 August (11am and 2pm) before the production goes on tour across Wales.

‘Pleth’, a new non-verbal puppet show that invites audiences to step out of the digital world into a rare temperate rainforest in the heart of West Wales.

The story begins with a familiar modern-day crisis: the mobile network suddenly fails. Screens freeze, communication is lost and panic takes hold. But in the stillness that follows, we pause, breathe — and notice something magical beginning to stir.

Audiences enter a living landscape inhabited by native fungi, insects, birds and mammals, where the rhythms of nature connect. Beneath our feet, vast networks of mycelium weave through the roots of ancient trees, quietly pulsing with communication.

‘Pleth’ blends movement, puppetry, live foley sound, visual storytelling and an evocative use of BSL, creating a rich and immersive world in which the delicate balance of the forest comes to life.

As technology flickers back on, the urge to reconnect with the digital world clashes with something deeper — a quieter, older rhythm that teaches us to stop, listen and truly see.

The production is non-verbal and suitable for all, communicating through movement, visual storytelling, puppetry and sound rather than spoken dialogue.

The live foley performance is an important part of the experience, with moments of loud sound used to build suspense.

Following the performance, pre-booked participants have the opportunity to take part in a free, gentle and playful physical theatre workshop inspired by the themes of Pleth. Children and adults will explore ideas of interconnectedness, mycelium networks, nature and our relationship with the world around us — beyond screens and WiFi. Through movement and creative interaction, participants will explore how we are all connected to each other and to the natural world.