The Complete History of EuropeThe streets of Valletta will once again be hosting the ŻiguŻajg Arts Festival for Children & Young People, showcasing professional arts specifically designed for children and young people in various disciplines at a high level.
This year’s edition will include a number of Maltese productions, specially commissioned for the festival, as well as foreign performances from Slovenia, Italy, Germany, Norway, The Netherlands, Denmark, Spain and the UK.
The performances will deal with a wide range of subjects and themes that are relevant to the realities of children and young people: from the death of a pet, to the disruptive nature of social media; from the misadventures of Hansel and Gretel to an adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey.
The festival is committed to present an inclusive experience for all. In addition to a sign-language service offered for selected performances, additional supportive measures are being developed which can be offered to children with learning disabilities.
It is expected that over 17,000 people will attend at least one of the 150 performances forming part of ŻiguŻajg. Statistics may reveal the impact of the festival but no data captures the pride of parents marking their toddler’s first visit to the theatre with photos and videos.
ŻiguŻajg will also include a number of workshops for children and young people: to help participants re-interpret key artworks in the national collection at the Museum of Fine Arts in Valletta; to explore the collection at the Palace Armoury from an artistic perspective; to focus on the intricate marble tombstones within St John’s Co-Cathedral; as well as to offer children the opportunity to interview their favourite authors.
ŻiguŻajg Arts Festival for Children and Young People, organised by St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, is being held on November 18-24 around Valletta.