Spain’s Xirriquiteula Teatre will bring its acclaimed multimedia theatre work “Laika” to Hong Kong in mid-January, as part of the “Cheers!” series, offering audiences a visually rich and emotionally resonant theatrical experience.

Inspired by the true story of Laika, the first animal to orbit the Earth, the production revisits the 1950s through a blend of video projection, puppetry, automatons and shadow play. The story follows a clever and gentle stray dog selected for a pioneering space mission, and the deep bond she forms with the scientist responsible for her care and training. When the scientist realises the journey is intended to be one-way, the narrative shifts into an imaginative escape that explores courage, loyalty and the meaning of life.

Space travel, science and adventure are vividly brought to the stage through an exquisitely crafted puppet dog, inventive stage design and cinematic scene transitions, from laboratories and snowfields to a rocket launch. 

Since its 2018 premiere, Laika has toured extensively across Europe and Asia, earning major theatre awards and becoming one of the company’s signature works. The production will be staged at Hong Kong City Hall from January 16 to 18 with each show followed by a post-performance meet-the-artist session.