Learning through theatre

One of my priorities when I took over the artistic direction at the Manoel was to develop a children's programme within the theatre's calendar of events, a decision that was wholly and totally supported by the management committee.

The children's programme aims to educate and entertain by producing significant theatre experiences, with a variety of marvellous stories, inspiring themes and tantalising styles of music to spark the imagination and fuel a sense of discovery in children from every background. These productions are open for schoolchildren. We are also having weekend performances to offer an opportunity to young families to experience an evening at the theatre.

So far the Manoel has produced a thrilling world-class creative programme, which is both innovative and stimulating. We believe that the children's programme offers an opportunity for children to learn life lessons and values presented through dramatic storytelling, dance, music and opera.

Furthermore, a number of workshops are available to the schools bringing their pupils to the theatre. These workshops will enable our young audience to familiarise themselves with the story and characters, appreciating the performance more.

In the late 1990s research conducted by Don Campbell popularised the theory that music (especially Mozart's piano concerti) will temporarily increase one's IQ and produce many other beneficial effects on mental function. This theory may still need to be proved but we know from the countless letters, phone calls and e-mails we receive that we are making a difference ‒ that we are nurturing in children a love for the theatre.

It is a known fact that theatre activities foster creativity, communication skills, and self-confidence in children. And that theatre has the most impact when children have the opportunity to ask and answer questions about all they have seen onstage.

The Manoel Theatre believes that no child should be denied the magic of live theatre, and all of its benefits, simply because they can't afford it, and so we have special prices for family tickets. The theatre heavily subsidises these productions to keep the ticket prices as low as possible. We hope that in the future we can attract the kind of sponsorship which might enable the theatre to offer children's performances free of charge.

We would also like to see established writers and newcomers being encouraged to write plays and works for children, to create a body of work that demonstrates to children that a trip to the theatre isn't just for Christmas or to see a live action version of your favourite novel.

The Manoel Theatre is very proud of its past productions and feels privileged to be able to continue introducing children to the wonderful delights of theatre and music.

• Peter and the Wolf is being presented at the Manoel Theatre on Saturday and Sunday. This all-time children's favourite will be staged in an exciting and unconventional new adaptation. Each character in the story will be represented by an instrument ‒ somewhat quite unorthodox in choice... and a dancer. The musical tale will be recounted by the grumpy grandfather. Musical adaptation is by Sarah Spiteri, choreography by Emma Loftus.