Theater festival for children opens in Ankara
ANKARA – Anadolu Agency
Thousands of people are expected to attend the international children’s theater festival titled “Little Ladies, Little Gentlemen” in Ankara starting April 24.The festival will stage more than 80 performances from 14 local and 12 foreign theater groups. Bulgaria, France, Croatia, Norway, Italy and Slovenia are some of the participant countries.
Puppet shows, shadow plays, musicals and dance shows will not only entertain the children, but will also serve to educate them, festival organizers say.
Turkish State Theatres has been organizing the festival for the past 11 years on April 23 to mark National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.
With the festival, the state-owned body aims to contribute to the development of theater and the arts in the country, and build cultural exchange programs.
According to Turkish State Theatres, the name of the festival came from one of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s speeches addressed to children. “Little ladies, little gentlemen, you are all the roses, the stars and the sparkling joy of our future, the ones who will elevate the nation. Always be aware of your value and significance! And work hard... We have great expectations from you,”
The festival will end on April 29.
