A journey of discovery is promised for children of all ages at the upcoming Mitsikouri International Performing Arts Festival for Children and Young People. This vibrant festival, which returns for its second year, will showcase 11 productions from nine countries, complemented by an extensive parallel programme.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- For more information about the programme and to purchase tickets, visit ASSITEJ Cyprus and Soldout Ticket Box.
Creative director Lena Kasiou emphasises that ‘discovery is a word that encompasses a child’s journey every day, at any age, offering room for endless possibilities, stories, experiences and so much more.’ This year’s festival aims to inspire openness to discovery.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Mitsikouri festival: Diverse Performances and Themes
The festival’s programme features an eclectic mix of theatre, dance, music, object theatre, and contemporary circus performances. Many of these productions have been exhibited at major international festivals, tackling significant themes of diversity, inclusivity, friendship, and belonging.
Kasiou shares her excitement about witnessing children’s spontaneous reactions during performances. ‘It’s magical to see them mesmerised and inspired, whether during a show or interacting with performers,’ she says.
Accessibility Through Non-Verbal Theatre
An intriguing aspect of this year’s festival is its focus on non-verbal performances, designed to bridge language barriers and engage audiences from various cultural backgrounds. ‘Non-verbal theatre relies on imagery, movement, music, and sounds, creating a multi-sensory connection to the story,’ explains Kasiou. This approach is particularly effective in reaching young audiences, as it fosters deeper engagement.
Enriching the Community Through Workshops
In addition to the performances, the Mitsikouri Festival includes a rich parallel programme featuring workshops, lectures, and discussions aimed at children, parents, educators, and arts professionals. ‘We aim to create a stronger community of theatre goers and theatre makers that can grow and develop together,’ Kasiou highlights.
The festival introduces the Table Project this year, comprising roundtable discussions where children can share their thoughts on performances after each weekend. ‘Our goal is for Mitsikouri to be a platform where everyone finds inspiration and something to carry with them,’ says Kasiou.
Fostering Cultural Connections in Cyprus
For Cyprus, where the Mitsikouri Festival is one of the few of its kind, the demographic focus is vital. ‘It’s essential to provide our audiences with opportunities to explore the world. This festival opens doors to international theatre experiences, nurturing community connections and critical thinking among young audiences,’ Kasiou explains.
She acknowledges the challenges of limited resources and the need for ongoing support. However, she believes in the festival’s importance, especially in a time dominated by technology, stating that it is crucial to provide youth with opportunities to see, create, and be inspired.
A Platform for Global Artistic Exchange
Kasiou reflects on the festival’s inception, noting a significant gap in Cyprus for festivals dedicated to children and young people. ‘These audiences are curious and deserving of high-quality artistic experiences. Our vision is to unite international and Cypriot artists, exposing children to diverse cultures and stories,’ she shares.
The festival is organised by ASSITEJ Cyprus – Centre of Theatre for Children and Young People, with a dedicated team that travels globally to discover performances suitable for young audiences. ‘We research extensively to curate a diverse programme that resonates with our audience while considering budgetary constraints and versatility,’ says Kasiou.
Festival Highlights and Schedule
This year, the Mitsikouri Festival, themed ‘Discovering’, will run from October 11 to 19 across Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Lefkara. Opening the festival on the weekend is Home from the Netherlands, featuring animated paintings and music, followed by the Italian performance Seggioline: To Grow Up, which welcomes children as young as three.
Other notable performances include the French show Cinq Minutes Avec Toi, addressing the challenges of parenthood, and the Spanish interactive theatre piece Little Night. A dance performance suitable for families will take place with the Cypriot team of Zoe Georgallis at the Vinegar Factory in Limassol.
The festival also features several other performances throughout the week, including Dreamer by the Czech group FysioART and The Fabulous Story of Basarkus by the French Lamento Company, concluding with the dance performance Fall and Float by Irish artist Monica Muñoz on October 19.
For more information about the programme and to purchase tickets, visit ASSITEJ Cyprus and Soldout Ticket Box.
