Teatru Manoel’s popular learning and participation programme, TOI TOI, has launched a new four-part performance series to introduce babies and young children to the magic of live theatre.
The Baby Series programme will help children from newborn babies to four-year-olds experience music, opera and movement, in four exciting shows held between November and May inside the Manoel’s Studio Theatre.
“We are delighted to bring live theatre to young children through TOI TOI’s Baby Series,” says Teatru Manoel CEO, Massimo Zammit. “The Manoel is both the home of opportunity for local artists and a treasured landmark for theatre-lovers near and far – and TOI TOI enables the theatre to reach out to audiences at every stage of their life. Through the Baby Series, children as young as newborn babies can share in the joy of live performance, as well as absorb some of its benefits in that critical moment in their development. Teatru Manoel is proud to support them as they begin their journey in the arts.”
The first in the series, Making Music with Benji introduces little ones to the wonderful world of percussion, through sounds and music made with everyday objects found at home. The show will perform at 9.30am and 11am on November 4-5.
Next, Mezzo Soprano Clare Ghigo will lead a playful operatic journey from Mozart all the way to contemporary writing in Opera Bites, playing twice per day on 10-11 February 2023.
The third live show in the series, Stringy Stories, will welcome young children into the sublime world of string instruments. Strings expert Maria Conrad and artists from the TOI TOI Collective will match music with dynamic storytelling on 1-2 April 2023, at 9.30am and 11am both days.
The TOI TOI Baby Series closes with Wriggles and Giggles, in which young children can ‘get their wriggle on’ in a fun, movement-based show, choreographed and performed by leading artist Rochelle Gatt. Held on 26-27 May 2023 at 9.30am and 11am, this family-friendly performance explores inclusive movement matched with an inspiring patchwork of non-verbal communication.
What’s more, audiences young and young at heart can grab a special early bird offer for the TOI TOI Baby Series: one adult and child can experience together all four shows for less, with a season ticket priced at just €40 – that’s a €10 saving from the full price. But hurry: this offer expires on Wednesday 19 October!
“We are thrilled to welcome our beloved baby audience into our Studio Theatre – many for the first time,” says Kate Fenech Field, TOI TOI’s Learning and Participation Manager. “This is one moment with your children that you will never forget. For many, that early moment when they discover the magic of live theatre sparks their creativity and inspires a love of the arts for a lifetime.”
TOI TOI’s Baby Series includes Making Music with Benji on November 4-5, Opera Bites on 10-11 February 2023, Stringy Stories on 1-2 April 2023 and Wriggles and Giggles on 26-27 May 2023. There are two 30-minute performances per day of each show at 9.30am and 11am. All events are suitable for children aged 0-4 and will take place in the Studio Theatre, Teatru Manoel. Tickets are available via email to bookings@teatrumanoel.mt, by telephone to (+356) 21246389 or online at www.teatrumanoel.mt.
