Haifa International Children’s Theatre Festival will take place from April 16 – 18, 2014, with original new plays to entertain children of all ages!
The opening play will be Uncle Max’s Journey, an original play in rhyme, based on a children’s story by Hanoch Levin. Known for his dark humor and biting wit, it will be interesting to discover the lighter side of Levin in this play. Adapted to the stage by Ran Bechor and Ido Keren, the play is directed by Ran Bechor. Recommended for age 5+
In addition to original Israeli plays in competition, the festival will host several guest plays and outdoor performances that are free and open to the public. The demand for tickets last year was such that the festival has opened new venues this year with plays performed at: The Haifa Theatre, the Cinematheque compound on the Carmel, a venue in the downtown area and for the first time the Haifa Zoo will host a special concert with musicians of the Haifa Symphony Orchestra and students of the Reut Arts School.
The Street Theatre program is under the artistic direction of the Orto-Da Theatre – Yinon Tsafrir and Avi Gibson Bar-El. They’ve put together a program of international artists from France, Spain, Italy, Holland and England, in addition to street performances from Israel. The international program: Bivouac Cie from France will present Le reve d’Erica; Trukitrek from Spain will present Hotel Crab; Qualite Street from France will present A Flower in the Rifle; Teatro Pavana from Holland will present Giraffe and Colors; Teatro Necessario from Italy will present Nuova Barbiera Carloni; NWSI from England will present Les Oiseaux de lux.
Israeli plays in Competition:
Fox Tale – The woodland creatures have all been convinced to change with the times and start living like humans in condominiums and such, all except fox, who prefers to stay with his own ways. Forced out of the animal community, fox must now survive as an outsider… Play and songs written by Hamutal Ben Zeev, based on a story by Yaki Mahraz, directed by Nadav Asulin with music by Dori Ben Zeev. Recommended for age 4 – 10.
Barking at the Moon – Shpitz is the new dog in the neighborhood, joining Captain, the old police dog, Boxy the tough guy, Matti the athlete, and Lady, who is searching for the puppies taken away from her. The arrival of Shpitz stirs things up… Written and directed by Ofer Shafrir with music by Liora Shlezinger. Recommended for ages 4 – 10.
Dwarfs Under the Blanket – Uri, whose parents are divorced, wakes up one morning from a disturbing dream: his most precious toy has been stolen. He rushes to wake his father, but his father has gone missing, and Uri sets out to find his Dad. Written by Tzadok Tzemach, directed by Maya Han. Recommended for ages 4 – 10.
Yoel Said is based on writer Yoel Hoffman’s only book for children, a list of things “teachers don’t tell you.” This imaginative list is the basis for a comic, musical journey. Written and composed by Ronit Kano, who performs along with Simon Starr on guitar. Recommended for age 5+
An End. A Start. A Cat. – inspired by the Grimm’s tale of the Bremen Town Musicians, this is a story about an old donkey who can no longer carry heavy loads, and a rooster who can’t manage to wake up on time. The farmer thinks that they are no longer of any use, and plans to be rid of them. Leaving the only home they have ever known behind, they set out to begin a new life, doing the only thing that they can still do: sing. Written by Eldad Cohen and Yarden Bar Kochba Halperin, directed by Yarden Bar Kochba Halperin, music and original songs by Didi Shahar, arrangements by Tal Blecharovich and Didi Shahar. Recommended for ages 3 – 9.
The full program may be seen on the festival website, and tickets may be purchased online, click here.
