The ŻiguŻajg International Arts Festival for Children and Young People once again delighted audiences with multiple performances and interactive experiences. This year’s festival showcased a perfect blend of music, puppetry, storytelling, and visual arts, creating an inclusive and magical environment for children of all ages. Below is a comprehensive review of the highlights from this year’s festival.

The festival opened with the enchanting “Meet Me A Tree,” an interactive opera designed for the youngest festival-goers, aged 0-2 years. This performance, featuring music by Schumann, Delibes, and Handel, invited infants and their guardians on a multisensory journey through the seasons, combining beautiful singing with nature-themed activities. This set a high standard for the festival, emphasising relaxation and connection through art.

Adding to the musical offerings, “Tgħanniqa Xewkija” presented a touching musical about Bertu, a prickly pear seeking a hug, with original songs by Walter Micallef. This performance highlighted themes of perseverance and friendship, capturing the hearts of both children and adults with its imaginative storytelling and vibrant musical numbers.

Puppetry and visual storytelling took centre stage with “A Ladder to the Stars” and “The Boy and the Ball.” The former used a magical mix of puppetry, music, and light to tell the story of a little girl’s wish to dance with the stars, while the latter engaged very young children with a nonverbal narrative about making friends. Both performances demonstrated the power of visual art and imagination in captivating young audiences.

Adventures and high-flying antics were brilliantly showcased in “Bonġu, Bejt!” and “Gulliver.” “Bonġu, Bejt!” thrilled audiences with acrobatics and comedy as characters navigated being stranded on a roof, while “Gulliver” mesmerised with tales of undiscovered lands and unique puppetry, bringing Swift’s classic adventure to life in a new and exciting way.

Dance and physical theatre were represented in “Fall and Float,” an engaging show where dancers used balloons to create a magical world full of playful choreography and joyful sounds. This performance highlighted the festival’s commitment to diverse forms of artistic expression, enchanting audiences with its blend of physical comedy and art.

Interactive and educational experiences were a significant focus this year, with “The Witch’s Class” and “Travel Bug” standing out. “The Witch’s Class” invited children to become apprentices, exploring plants and making mixtures, while “Travel Bug” humorously addressed the trials of travel, teaching resilience and problem-solving through its quirky characters and scenarios.

Environmental awareness and the future were central themes in “Possible Worlds,” a multidisciplinary exhibition tackling environmental concerns. Through interactive artworks, children engaged with ideas about sustainability and the future, fostering a sense of responsibility and creativity.

The festival also made significant strides in inclusivity with Sensory-Friendly Performances, which relaxed traditional theatre rules to create a welcoming environment for children with sensory sensitivities. This initiative allowed all children to enjoy the magic of theatre in a supportive setting, furthering the festival’s mission of accessibility and inclusivity.

Film screenings, such as “Rosa and the Stone Troll” and “The Secret Kingdom,” provided additional layers of adventure and imagination. “Rosa and the Stone Troll” followed a tiny flower fairy on a daring rescue mission, while “The Secret Kingdom” took siblings on a fantastical journey beneath their grandfather’s house. These films captivated young viewers with their compelling stories and vibrant characters.

In the realm of fantasy and heroism, “Trouser Girl: An Opera for Young Audiences” brought superhero excitement to the opera stage. This performance tackled themes of jealousy and identity, blending humour and adventure in a way that resonated with children.

Other notable performances included “PHORA 10XS,” which explored themes of acceptance and identity in a distant galaxy, and “Oktomara,” a visually striking performance about overcoming past traumas. “The Dreamcatchers” offered a unique perspective on visual impairment and dreams, providing a thrilling narrative about a teenager discovering a world of vibrant colours and extraordinary dream catchers.

The ŻiguŻajg Festival 2023 was a triumph, showcasing a rich tapestry of artistic experiences that entertained, educated, and inspired children and young people. Each performance and exhibition contributed to a memorable festival, reinforcing Żiguajg’s reputation as a leading event in the celebration of creativity and imagination for young audiences.