Theatre production for young ones

A theatre production for children - Il-Festa ta' l-Infanta, is being staged at the Mediteranean Institute Theatre Programme (MITP) on March 13-17 by Teatru Qroqq.

Based on a story by Oscar Wilde, Il-Festa ta' l-Infanta revolves around the celebration of the Infanta's 12th birthday party.

A great feast is organised with a variety show of dance, song and music to entertain the Infanta and her guests. A boy from the forest is brought over as the main attraction: Kważimundu 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 Kważimundu sees his own image for the first time in a mirror? What is the Infanta's reaction at the end of the story?

The production is a highly entertaining one with much humour, dance and music, even if the story has a tragic ending. The ending in fact warrants reflection about our values in this modern world where beauty is "measured" according to the physical appearance and the material possessions one has. In a material world that focuses so much on the physical aspect of people, this story's message is valid more than ever.

The Teatru Qroqq project is run by Isabelle Gatt, lecturer within the Faculty of Education in the Expressive Arts. Teatru Qroqq is made up mainly of B.Ed. students at the University of Malta, who work with a team of theatre enthusiasts.

Morning shows for schools are being held on March 13, 14 and 17; tickets for schools are at reduced prices. Bookings can be made from St James Cavalier on 2122 3216 or the box office's e-mail boxoffice@sjcav.org.