Brave Bettie

Bettie loves the forest – it’s her sanctuary, where she feels calm and in control. But when the council threatens to cut down her favourite tree, Bettie must find the courage to fight for what she loves.

The night before the woodcutters come, Bettie meets the bold and mysterious Paida Moyo. The chance encounter sparks an extraordinary journey of friendship, bravery and self-discovery. Can the two friends save the woodlands and its critter crew before it’s too late? And how might the forest help Bettie in return?

Written by Tatenda Naomi Matsvai, Brave Bettie is a magical woodland adventure told through poetry, songs, live music and stories that explore their home heritage in Zimbabwe. This playful yet powerful production looks at resilience, self-belief, social activism and the environment, offering an urgent message for young audiences.

Brave Bettie is a Half Moon and Z-arts co-production: an exciting collaboration by the UK’s leading small-scale young people’s venue and touring company and Manchester’s unique arts centre for children and families.