Children's theatre at the Manoel

Each scholastic year brings with it a mixture of excitement and dread for hundreds of children across the country. Every year they face new challenges and experiences. Yet, as the initial enthusiasm gradually wears off, they need enticing activities to keep them on the learning track.

The Manoel Theatre has decided to respond to this need by introducing a new programme aimed specifically at children. Judie Farrugia, general manager of the theatre, explained how earlier this year, the theatre's committee made a conscious decision to find and commission children's performances.

"Children's theatre provides the audience of the future with an introduction to the magic of theatre. We believe that involvement from an early age is the key to an enjoyment, appreciation and engagement that is life-long. Our aim is to have productions for both families and school groups that will motivate them to come and enjoy the theatre."

Ms Farrugia added that, "Studies show that if somebody never enters a theatre by the age of ten, it is very unlikely that as an adult they will ever come to the theatre. Yet, after all, it is the children's right to be exposed to culture just like it is important for them to engage in sports or to eat healthily."

The new children's programme consists of two performances. The first production is George's Marvellous Medicine, an adaptation of Roald Dahl's story of the same name. It is being staged at the Manoel Theatre from November 15 to 17 by the Birmingham Stage Company and is targeting children aged seven to 12. Roald Dahl is already very popular with children, and Ms Farrugia hopes the performance will encourage more children to take up the book, or others from the author's collection.

"Above all, we should not discard the fun element of a production, which is why George's Marvellous Medicine was chosen. If children are enjoying something, they learn more."

"This production would not have been possible without the ongoing support of the British Council. Our collaboration with the British Council to develop theatre for children is long term and involves outreach programmes with school teachers, university students and children. The response of our sponsors HSBC and Vodafone has also made it possible for us to open this production for school groups," she said.

The second production is an adaptation of Mozart's opera The Magic Flute, which will be staged in April. It is a local production which will involve very talented young singers and musicians. The main aim is to introduce children aged seven and over to classical music, specifically to the operatic genre.

"By introducing children of this age to the joys of classical music, we are creating an awareness of a genre which is not wholly accessible to them within their home environment. As with George's Marvellous Medicine, the aim is to give children access to productions of high calibre within a fun environment," said Ms Farrugia.

She said The Magic Flute was a natural choice. The story itself is based on an oriental fairytale which will appeal to young and old alike. With a few minor narrative re-adjustments, it can be accessible to children as young as seven. Furthermore, the music itself is melodious and pleasant. The benefits of the "Mozart effect", the theory which states that listening to Mozart will temporarily increase one's IQ and improve one's mental abilities, are a well known and documented fact. Thus, Mozart provides an excellent introduction to the genre.

Ms Farrugia emphasised that "Music helps children improve their memory, while drama helps them develop their personalities. Exposing a child to the theatre opens up another world and a myriad of possibilities, such as acting or playing an instrument. They can still be exposed to all these things through books, yet nothing beats the experience of being in the theatre!" She added that coming to the theatre is an important lesson children should be taught. "Even the fact that children should sit quietly during the show is a life skills lesson. Besides, theatre provides a motivation for their talents to develop."

The performance of George's Marvellous Medicine is open on November 15 to 17 for schools, and on November 18 to 19 for families. Tickets are available from the Manoel Theatre Booking Office (tel: 2124-6389 or e-mail: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt).