It’s time to transform Valletta into a hive of cultural activity once again, this time focusing on children and young adults, as only some days are left before the ŻiguŻajg Arts Festival for Children and Young People kicks off. Once again, a variety of events and performances are being organised around the capital. Here are some of the highlights that can be enjoyed.

Ħal Mitfa, by the Rubberbodies Collective, between November 18 and 24.

When Maria’s father van-ishes, she is thrust unwittingly into a magical world unlike any other, in her quest to find him.

Guided by a craven rooster bard, Maria faces a succession of deadly perils, while also avoiding the evil clutches of the vile snake lady.

Ir-Ritorn, by Theatre Anon, on November 18, 19, 20, 22, 23 and 24.

Local theatre group Theatre Anon returns with a brand new production based on Homer’s The Odyssey. The audience will (literally) follow the adventures of the hero, who must retrieve his young daughter, stolen by an evil sorcerer.

The Animals and Children Took to the Streets, by 1927, on November 19, 20 and 21.

Welcome to the Bayou, a part of the city feared and loathed wherein lie the infamous Bayou Mansions – a sprawling, stinking tenement block, where curtain twitchers and peeping Toms live side by side and the wolf is always at the door.

Għajn-Eye-Three, by the Aleateia Theatre Company, between November 19 and 24.

Four secondary-school teachers discuss the strange presence of Jeremy Fiteni, and how he has affected their personal lives. But now Jeremy has disappeared and nobody knows where he is or who he actually is.

Dance, by Redtape Dance Company, between November 20 and 24.

Technology wouldn’t exist without the human being, but are we arriving at a point where human beings can’t exist without technology?

The interdisciplinary performance takes the form of a physical dance piece with spoken word and interactive projections, original music, digital animation and photography.

ŻiguŻajg Arts Festival for Children and Young People is produced by St James Cavalier in collaboration with the Parliamentary Secretariat for Culture and Local Government. It is taking place between November 18 and 24 in various locations around Valletta. For a full programme, visit www.ziguzajg.org. Tickets for all events are free but need to be booked online.

www.sjcav.org