Toi Toi is a phrase used to wish an artist good luck just before going on stage; it was also the name chosen for the Manoel Theatre’s education programme by Rosetta Debattista, the theatre’s education consultant, when the initiative was launched in 2011.
Specially-created baby-friendly concerts and similar interactive concerts aimed at older children (three- to five-years-old) have proved to be so successful that new programmes are being introduced this season, targeting older children and branching into other disciplines within the arts, namely theatre and dance.
Debattista attributes Toi Toi’s success to the fact that sessions are fun and educational, and says “few would deny that both those elements are important”.
Of course, the people involved in the project play a key part too, and Debattista acknowledges she is “very lucky that each and every person involved with Toi Toi is committed to the programme. I believe that comes across. Of course the performances don’t just happen and they involve discussion, exchange, practice, preparation, rehearsals, reflection and a lot of hard work that go into each event.”
Although hard work is most definitely the reason behind the Toi Toi music workshops, the organisers certainly have had good luck with their programme: the Toi Toi music workshops for babies, toddlers and children are so popular that parents have to book well in advance in order to avoid disappointment
One of the new initiatives this season is called PIKuŻi, a wonderfully-written set of plays in Maltese.
The plays cover relevant topics for children who are between seven and 11 years old. They are written and delivered with humour and deal with issues that are very real for children of this age.
Always engaging the children in an interactive manner, the first one is about the Maltese language, its beauty and its challenges, with special reference to proverbs.
Dance is also a protagonist in the new season, with Toi Toi collaborating with Żfin Malta Dance Ensemble and Moveo Dance Company, bringing contemporary dance closer to children and teenagers.
We have seen a real increase in audience numbers at the same time as increasing the number of events designed for them
Starting them young is key to getting people interested in the arts and in music. Although the programme is still in its infancy, an increase in audience members is already noticeable.
“We have seen a real increase in audience numbers at the same time as increasing the number of events designed for them. We started with around 30 events in 2012 and with over a hundred last season, many of them being sold out,” says Debattista.
The fact that the theatre also offers a 50 per cent discount to all primary-aged children for any evening concert produced by the Manoel is surely another plus factor.
Speaking of plus factors, Debattista is keen to underline how the Manoel Theatre Youth Theatre (TMYT), another Toi Toi initiative set up by the theatre, enjoyed rave reviews of its first performance abroad, Club.
Directed by Denise Mulholland, Club was performed at the Glasgow Commonwealth Celebrations.
Earlier this month, on invitation by V-18, TMYT also performed Qatt ma Ninsa in Vittoriosa, directed by Chris Gatt. TMYT’s sister programme is The Manoel Theatre Youth Opera, which this year will be performing with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.
Looking back, Debattista says she finds the work so rewarding. “One can see this joy in the musicians, singers, dancers and actors as they share what they have with our audiences, young and old.
“It has also been encouraging to see the interest that our young audiences have shown, especially children who perhaps wouldn’t have necessarily been exposed to classical concerts, plays or dance, had Toi Toi not been in existence.”
The Manoel Theatre offers many events for young people, such as Behind the Scenes, which gives children an insight into what goes on backstage. There are also the Limited Editions – an opportunity for children to hear world-famous musicians in workshop-styled concerts.
The Pre-Concert Talks have become very popular, and the Travels programme will help schools host plays and concerts.
There are also singers who are visiting children’s hospital wards, but it’s not only about youth; some visit retirement homes too.
Toi Toi’s first event this season will see world-renowned violinist Charlie Siem giving a special family concert on October 5.
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