# Desperate Humor on Parenting Trends at Moment Teater A sharp theatrical exploration of modern child-rearing dilemmas and parental anxiety. - **Source:** [Dagens Nyheter](https://www.dn.se) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/baedc8b0-f96a-43cc-91d4-1b9af85dbb16 ## Theatrical Parenting Satire The play 'Vad är en vuxen och var är de?' at Moment teater explores the chaotic landscape of modern parenting. Written and directed by Andreas Boonstra, the production features actors Lars Bringås and Linda Källgren. They portray a couple navigating the exhausting, contradictory advice that defines contemporary child-rearing practices today. ## Dynamic Character Roles The characters represent distinct archetypes: a child actor returning from a radical theater festival in the Netherlands and a sharp, experienced journalist. Their dialogue is described as slippery and quick, reflecting the tension between pseudo-psychological findings and traditional wisdom. Both actors deliver performances that are remarkably synchronized and highly credible. ## Debating Half a Century The narrative functions as an ongoing debate regarding the shifting trends of child-rearing over the last fifty years. It addresses the constant struggle to protect children without overprotecting them, balancing freedom with safety, and managing screen time. The play highlights the absurdity of trying to follow every evolving expert recommendation. ## Meta-Theatrical Humor A recurring comedic element involves the actors explicitly distancing themselves from their lines, claiming they are merely following Boonstra’s script. This meta-commentary reflects a contemporary tendency to avoid personal accountability. It creates a humorous dynamic where the performers frequently blame the playwright whenever the dialogue enters controversial or uncomfortable territory. ## Parental Anxiety Portrayed The play captures the exhaustion of parents picking children up from preschool at 15:30 or maneuvering large twin strollers. It mocks the pressure from self-help books, such as the advice to provide five times more love for every correction. These moments highlight the helplessness felt by even authority figures like school principals. ## The Labyrinth Metaphor The production compares the parenting experience to the classic labyrinth board game. Parents attempt to navigate a small ball past numerous obstacles toward a goal, only for it to fall into a hole, requiring them to start over. This cycle of failure and repetition underscores the feeling of endless, circular struggle. ## Artistic Production Details The play features scenography and costumes by Fridjon Rafnsson, with music composed by Simon Steensland. Technical aspects are managed by Ella Jonsson, while Andreas Boonstra handles both the lighting and the script. The performance runs for approximately one hour and thirty minutes on the Lilla scen at Moment teater. ## Critical Reception Summary Despite some repetitive segments and a somewhat isolated atmosphere, the play is described as 'desperately funny' and sharp. It effectively captures the hopelessness of finding a definitive end to the parenting debate. The production succeeds by turning the anxiety of modern child-rearing into a witty, fast-paced, and deeply relatable theatrical experience. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.dn.se/kultur/desperat-roligt-om-barnuppfostrans-kastvindar-pa-moment-teater/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._