Polka’s Big Arms is a sweet and wacky radio drama for children aged 5 to 9. Adapted from a book by Émilie Gleason, it’s an invitation to take a positive look at our twisted attributes, to make the best of what seems like a mistake. It’s a crazy, jubilant adventure in sound that plays with words, their meanings and their sounds.
The story follows Polka, a little girl with superhuman strength. With her huge arms, she’s as strong as a rhinoceros. She is teased at school, and every playtime ends in a quarrel. The headmistress no longer wants her, and Doudou, Polka’s favourite person, won’t accept her bouquets of flowers, which are a little too squashed. Polka is sad, frustrated, angry, discouraged...

But then Télébison announces that the beavers are in mortal danger. A river threatens to flood their village and wipe them out. Polka has found a mission! She hops on her velo-ciraptor and sets off. Along the way, she meets other unusual characters: an incredible old Josiane, and a harmless viper that looks like a boa. With her new friends, Polka is able to harness the power of the river, using her strong arms to create gentle, calming walls. She saves the village from the beavers and, above all, learns to accept herself.

Produced by Marie Betbèze as part of the VOA collective.

Produced with the support of the Fond d’aide à la création radiophonique de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, the Atelier de Création Sonore Radiophonique, and the Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles.

Sound recording: Christophe Flémal and Jennifer Cousin
Sound effects: Zoé Suliko
Editing: Pierre-Nicolas Blandin
Mixing: Roxane Brunet
Music: Jérôme Cousin

With the voices of
Babette Verbeek, Camille Villote, Consolate, Daniela Bisconti, Eline Schumacher, Elizabeth Teirlynck, Haby Kassé, Ilyas Mettioui, Jennifer Cousin, Lisa Sallustio, Lucas Meister, Lucile Gautier, Michiel De Maeseneer, Felicitas Jander, Kim Wolgast, Jennifer Cousin and the children of l’Echappée.