No kidding
How the CHILDREN’S
INTERNATIONAL THEATRE
FESTIVAL puts Scotland on the
creative map. Words: Ruth Hedges he annual Children's Interr‘atior‘al Tl‘eatre
festival is one of the nest rr'iportant
showcases of children's theatre from across
the world. The opportunities it gives young audiences to see cutting edge theatre are unparalleled. and with all tickets going for $14 each or six for $20. you could do werse than Checking out
some of the treats on offer from the countries featured below. It runs in Edinburgh frOH‘ Tue 27 May-Wed 4 June. and then tours aeross Scotland. See Kids pages for full listings information and call the Traverse On 0131 228 1404 or VISit www.traverseco.uk to book tickets.
DENMARK
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Lennie and George Tue 27 8. Wed 28 May. Traverse Theatre. Ages 12-plus. Teatret Mollen's
challenging take on John Steinbeck’s classic Of Mice
and Men.
A Word is a Word Sat 31 May & Sun 1 Jun.
Glasgow-based Vanishing Peint's tale .r‘spiied b, the
brave men who pioneered deep sea diving.
The Happy Prince Sat 31 May. Traverse Theatre.
Traverse Theatre. Ages 3—6. Teatret Fairplay makes its first appearance at the festival in this story about two children who open a shop to sell WOrds. giving rise to fabulous, fantastic word play.
Hamlet Sun 1—Tue 3 Jun. Garage Theatre. Ages 13- plus. Who better to tell the tale of the most famous prince of Denmark than Danish theatre company Det Lille Turneteater? Two actors and two dOuble bass players play all parts — there's method in their madness. be asswed.
ENGLAND / SCOTLAND
Alice Wed 28 8. Thu 29 May. Brunton Theatre. An interpretation by Benchtours and Theatre sans Frontieres of the classic children's stories Alice In Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. wrth their distinctive blend of energetic vrsual physical theatre plus live mUSIC and songs by Steve Kettley (Salsa Celtica) and Michael Duke.
Stars beneath the Sea Thu 29. Sat 31 May 8. Sun
Ages 13—6. MaeRobert Theatre presents this adaptation of Oscar Wilde's poignant 8101‘, about a bronze statue prince who befriends a p; ssing swallow after his tears splash or‘ the little bird.
The Story of the Little Gentleman Sat 31 May Garage Theatre. Ages 4-8. Award-\.'.rinning theatre company Catherine Wheels presents its adaptation of the Swedish children's book about a desperately lonely little gentleman. He longs for a friend. but doesn't know how to find one. Then one day a dog appears in hrs life and things start to change. Featuring four performers. two pianos and original score. this is an exerting British premiere.
CANADA
Cirkus Inferno Fri 30 8 Sat 31 May. Royal Lyeeuw Theatre. Slapstick adventure featuring original cartoons. pyrotechnic effects and visual gags frOlT‘ DaredeVil Opera Company.
Trautzrse Theatre. Ages 'i"f pint. ft :fa'k a'irl exerting twist on the <:iassir: fairytale ; vli' .rriwi b“. Ti‘eafer Sfiétit'i'Y‘tlfifli‘ as a (tat..irr-‘: -,-r .- r‘ot Disney and not for the wee we. CZECH REPUBLIC
The Flying Babies MI)". 2 .Jun. No.11? l .r,t:.irv‘ Theatre. Ages Iiplns. Theatre [)rak's irrea: an'l funny tale of three bat; es .‘.’i'lf, lose tW-r tiallrxxr {l'l’l turn their pran‘ lili’) great a tying n‘acttt'ie to get it
back. Ili‘.f}fti|‘.'(,‘. iririo.ati.e puppet theatre
The Queen of Colours Traverse l'1eatfe men, -‘.»~?i. Shade: piippetnz rive piano and ;,?:ll‘ii"") fif;11‘l>.lit:lf‘ Theater Vfiwifgrminty”F) tggir; gt ;, littlr;
'::.<:e't .'."‘(: li.es all alone is: her ’,£tf.’.1(:
ITALY
Romanzo D’Infanzia (A Childhood Tale) T'ie '; Jun. Trayerse l'ieat'e. Ages b pus. (J'ililiiti‘: a Trix Cerr‘pagnia Abborvta'i/a Bertorv preser‘t', the raw; 9
a brother and sister .'.'l‘ose part/W. are tor, :m‘a. to
1 Jun. Traverse Theatre. Ages 8-plus. Performance. animation. original mus:c and puppetry combine in
I Fine and Water Festival
(6-8 Jun)
Three day spectacular with the emphasis on fire and water. with activities and demonstrations for all the family. Customhouse Quay, Greenock, 01475 715555, free.
I Highlands Festival (6-14 Jun) This annual multi-arts festival goes from strength to strength. Highlights this year include funnyman Fred MacAuIay (1 0 Jun). Eden Court and various venues, Invemess. 01463
71 1 1 12, phone for prices.
I Meadows Festival (7-8 Jun) This two-day community festival with
18 THE LIST 22 May —5 Jun 2033
SWITZERLAND
20 live bands. street theatre. fun-fair and stalls celebrates its 29th year in June. Highlights include performance poetry. Urban Alternatives. food and refreshments. ethnic musicians. skater ramps. and a specially designed acoustic area. The Meadows. Edinburgh, 0131 620 9108, www.meadows/estivaicouk, free.
I Leith Festival (8-14 Jun)
This fun week of festivities begins with a church service and includes sports, live music and children's shows before culminating with the Leith pageant and gala day replete with bouncy castle. pony rides. hot-air balloons. bands.
Snow White Tue 27 May. Thu 29 8‘ Fri 30 May.
listen Neglected and risenehanted they break free
Meadows Festival
viv-
football and much more. Various venues, Leith, 0131 554 3062. www/eithfestival. org. uk, free—£5.
I Keith Traditional Music Festival (1 3-1 5 Jun)
A celebration of traditional music
and seek their can ya, iii the .vorirf.
thr0ugh song. ceilidhs. competitions and concerts. Various venues. Keith. 01343 540325. wwwke/thfestival. btinternetcouk, £4-E5.
I Edinburgh Treefest (14-15 Jun) Annual two-day celebration of trees and forests. featuring crafts. entertainment. environmental stalls. displays and interactive activities celebrating the vrtal role that trees. woods and forests play in Our health and heritage. InverIe/th Park, Edinburgh, 0131 332 2229. www. four- winds. org. uk, free.
I West End Festival (15—30 Jun) The streets of Glasgow's West End come alive with a two-week multi-arts