Educational theatre for children

Schoolchildren this week enjoyed performances in Maltese based on Oscar Wilde's The Birthday of the Infanta, a play put on by a theatre group made up of fourth year B.Ed. students directed by Isabelle Gatt.

The purpose of Teatru Qroqq's production was mainly educational, intended to make both the adult and the child think and reflect about our lives, in which beauty is "measured" according to physical appearance and material possessions.

The story is set in Spain, where the celebration of a monarch's birthday was considered a great event. One year, during the Infanta's feast, which includes a variety of dance, song and music, a boy from the forest is brought over as an attraction.

Kwaøimundu, looks and acts different from the rest, and the audience finds him thoroughly entertaining for all the wrong reasons, but he is a happy, innocent child full of love for life and is pleased to make everyone enjoy themselves.

What happens when the Infanta throws him a flower during his show? What happens when Kwaøimundu sees his own image for the first time in a mirror? What is the Infanta's reaction at the end of the story?

"In a material world that focuses so much on the physical aspect of people, this story's message is more valid than ever," said Ms Gatt, a lecturer in the expressive arts whose research is centred around drama in education. The tutors on this credit are Josette Ciappara, Chris Gatt, Isabelle Gatt and Sigo.

¤ The play will be staged for the last time on Sunday at St James Cavalier in Valletta, this time for the public. The performances start at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets cost Lm1.50. Bookings can be made at St James Cavalier on 2122 3216.