Our country’s official Children’s Day may still be months away, but one iconic arts venue will not be waiting half a year before debuting an all-new festival for kids.
From Mar 10-14, Esplanade presents March On where families and those below the age of 12 will be able to enjoy a host of arts experiences, including panel discussions, workshops and hands-on activities.
In fact, during the conceptualisation of the festival, the arts centre consulted with children and young adults to create the live, digital and hybrid works that will premiere at the exciting fiesta.
First, see the young ones take the reins in the first-ever children-led programme, Seedlings. Facilitated by arts practitioners Chong Gua Khee and Faye Lim, a panel made up of children ages seven to 12 will watch and participate in selected programmes and workshops at the festival. They will have exclusive behind-the-scenes access which will culminate in a final presentation where they will share their unique perspectives on topics close to their hearts.
Then, The Feelings Farm will invite kids to navigate the shifting patterns of their emotions with a multi-disciplinary production featuring works by children of diverse needs and backgrounds over the course of six workshops.
Parents and children are also able to bond and immerse themselves in the arts with Reimagine a Character!, that gives everyone the opportunity to step into a costume designer’s shoes and learn about character development and costume design with notable local designers Anthony Tan and Max Tan.
Meanwhile, Robot House Party allows participants to throw shapes on the dance floor as internationally acclaimed DJ Kid Koala helms the deck via Zoom.
Finally, Esplanade has also been working with creatives to design critical, thought-provoking and reflective works for children. That entails a giant puppet performance named Rattle King by three artists, and a co-production with The Kueh Tutus, Alice’s Topsy Turvy Tea Party. The latter is an interactive and theatrical experience, where children and parents can interact and bond through movement and dance.
So March On at this brand new festival for children; it’s a much-needed breath of fresh air that will rejuvenate the scene for all, especially our future generation.
March On happens at Esplanade from Mar 10-14 2021. More information available here.
