More than 16,500 people attended the approximately 140 performances presented as part of the second edition of the ZiguZajg Arts Festival for Children and Young People, of which 4,500 were schoolchildren who attended the morning performances. The festival, which was organised by St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity, was held between the 19th and 25th of November in eight venues throughout Valletta, as well as in Gozo.
During the festival the capital city was transformed into a haven for the arts. Music, storytelling, animation, film, dance and theatre were just some of the exciting ingredients designed to capture the imagination of the young and young at heart. The ZiguZajg programme brought together 24 different productions, Malta, where seven of which were specially commissioned for the festival, as well as by performers from Australia, the UK, Italy, Germany, France, Holland and Portugal.
In a drive for enhanced accessibility for patrons attending performances during the festival, the ZiguZajg Arts Festival this year also featured an inclusive platform, including a selection of performances in sign language.
In the words of Festival Art Director Toni Attard. “Our aim was to achieve an enriching, diverse and enjoyable festival experience for all. We’re thrilled with the public’s response to the productions we proposed and the atmosphere generated in Valletta throughout the week of the festival.
“The presence of schoolchildren for the morning programmes was also very encouraging and we look forward to greater collaboration with schools and teachers for future editions. We believe that children and young people deserve the best cultural experiences, and together with other public cultural organisations, artists, the media and our generous sponsors we promise to deliver another great festival in 2013.”
Photo – Students pack the Malta Conference Centre’s theatre during the Heroes vs Villains concert by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra