Ħolqa opens up new oppor-tunities for young people interested in theatre.

A student theatre festival is being organised by Ġ.F. Abela Junior College and Troupe 18:45 to offer young theatre professionals and adolescents the opportunity to work alongside students from different countries by means of various theatre styles and activities.

The festival, titled Ħolqa, will include five performances at the college by the participant groups and workshops in acting, voice and movement.

Each theatre group will develop its artistic production around a common theme, which can be explored in different styles and ways. The theme will relate to topics such as violence, illiteracy, poverty among young people and other issues of social interest.

Throughout the festival, participants will be exposed to new and different techniques and theatre genres.

This experience will help promote intercultural understanding among the participants, and also help establish contacts and long-term relations with performers from other countries.

Three local judges involved in the literary and dramatic arts will evaluate the five performances: Charles Sammut (actor), Immanuel Mifsud (author) and Clare Agius (actor/presenter).

The panel of judges will follow set artistic criteria to assess each production and to declare a winner from among the competing groups.

The festival aims to raise awareness about social and economic realities in different countries, while promoting a spirit of collaboration and artistic development.

Ħolqa will take place between April 1 and 4. For more information, visit the Facebook page or send an e-mail to holqa2014.jc@um.edu.mt.

www.facebook.com/HOLQA2014