In keeping with its remit of introducing the very young to the world of the Arts, the repertoire of this year's Festival boasts a number of stimulating, colourful, and vibrant performances for the 0-4 age bracket.
In less than two weeks' time, the proverbial curtain will be raised on the 2019 edition of the ŻiguŻajg International Arts Festival for Children and Young People. With 21 performances across myriad art forms aimed at children aged a few months to young teens, the Festival will undoubtedly bring joy to thousands of children and their families across Malta and Gozo.
"As always, this year's Festival will keep arts and creativity for children at the core of the national creative ecology," says Festival director Daniel Azzopardi. "On top of that, we are providing artists with a platform where they can showcase their vital skills in interactive and stimulating performances specifically created for the very young."
Out of the 21 productions in the repertoire for children and young people, a number of shows are targeted specifically at babies and toddlers aged 0 to 4.
Among these is the German production Woodpecker - a sound and visual installation aimed strictly at little ones aged 4 months to 2 years. It is a fascinating sculptural, interactive and musical installation encouraging interaction and play.
Then there is Home - a visual theatre piece from Denmark about belonging and feeling at home, both in the world and within yourself. It is a thought-provoking performance that should awaken curiosity about the understanding of the concept of 'home'
Another production in this category will be Glimpse, by Dutch company Oorkaan. It will ask questions like: 'What do colours sound like?' 'Who can understand the moon?' 'What is the sun saying?' 'What sounds lower - a double bass or a drum?' 'How do you play a flash?' 'How do you sing a tree?' and 'How many colours does a dream have?,' and will try to answer them in a truly magical way.
Finally in the Festival's portfolio for very young viewers is Lumi, a minimalist performance and installation created to stimulate their sense of imagination and play. It is produced by Šeiko dance company and Dalija Acin Thelander from Lithuania.
"In keeping with its remit, ŻiguŻajg is once more providing easily-accessible performances for the very young," concludes Mr Azzopardi. "It's never too early to introduce the arts into a young life! I believe that instilling a love and appreciation of the arts in babies and toddlers will ultimately lead to it truly being at the heart of our culture and way of thinking. We look forward to sharing these performances with our very special young viewers and their friends, families and guardians."
ŻiguŻajg is produced by Fondazzjoni Kreattività and will run from 15 to 24 November 2019. Most of the initiatives will take place in Valletta and Gozo. Booking for the festival is now open. For more information about the various productions on offer and to book tickets visit www.ziguzajg.org