When the idea to turn Natasha Khan's story Cosmia into a children's play came about, I knew it was going to be an out-of-this-world experience. We all did. 

It was December 2021, and the world was still reeling with Covid. Kalabash hadn't had a live performance since the pandemic started. Everything was online and all the plays were filmed. No parents and no audience allowed. 

Cosmia was going to be our first play with a live audience in two years. And it wasn’t just any play. It was an original play that we adapted just for us. It was a thrilling prospect and all hands were put to work to make our Kalabash stage worthy of the task. 

In so many ways, Cosmia was our Spring, bringing us all back to life again. 

We had 10 weeks to make it all happen. Twenty kids were cast in the show. And outside rehearsals that labor of love continued with the help of so many friends and artists and Kalabash families and students who came to paint and make and offer their expertise. 

We built a house set that moved on wheels with Jacob Sampson. We got Spenser Little on the job of welding a snail shell. April Rose was with us every weekend making costumes. And Dorka Hegedus was behind the camera capturing it all. 

It’s quite something to see this film. I can’t help but be moved to laughter and tears by all the memories and wonderful interviews of some of the kids who express so authentically what that experience was like and what Kalabash means to us all. 

I’m eternally grateful to Dorka Hegedus for making this film. I think once you see it. You will understand. 

In her words: 

“This film is a big thank you. Thank you for the precious years when my children had a second home at Kalabash. For the friends we made there. Thank you for the beautiful stories, and for showing us that there was a place where it was possible to go big, to go all out with courage, and share the most precious corners of our hearts. How fortunate we all were.”