Organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), the 3rd Macao International Children’s Arts Festival (MICAF) will feature “Stone Wolves”, an original children’s puppet show created and produced by Portuguese company Trupe Fandanga, from tomorrow through Tuesday at the Macao Cultural Centre (MCC) in Nape.
The show uses wood, metal, and various curious objects to construct an ever-changing islet setting, paired with deft, whimsical puppets to portray the different emotions and imaginations within the main character Pedro’s heart as he gradually grows through his journey of self-discovery, according to an IC statement yesterday.
The performance runs for about 40 minutes and is available in Cantonese and Portuguese versions. Suitable for audiences aged six and above, it invites children and adults alike to step into the inner world of young Pedro, the statement added.
The organiser held a media briefing at the MCC yesterday, inviting Stone Wolves Artistic Director Sandra Neves to discuss the creative concept and distinctive features of the work.
During the meeting, Neves told reporters that while most contemporary children’s theatre tends to directly instil fixed values and provide explicit narrative answers, Stone Wolves advocates for children to actively explore and question rather than be subjected to one-way lecturing.
Rather than dictating a child’s life path or imposing adult values, adults are encouraged to step back and offer support, allowing young audiences to identify problems independently, think critically to find solutions, and unlock their infinite potential along their own unique growth paths, Neves said.
Neves added that the production features a highly open-ended narrative that encourages diverse interpretations. With no single standard answer, viewers form distinct understandings based on their own personal experiences.
‘Peace and Future’ show
Meanwhile, a large-scale children’s variety show, “Peace and Future”, will be performed on Sunday at the Macao Cultural Centre, featuring Peking opera, dance, folk music, choral singing, and martial arts, the statement added.
Moreover, “Where Culture Flourishes, Happiness Happens” community flash mobs for the “Peace and Future” show will take place at 5:00 p.m. today at the Ruins of St. Paul’s, and at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at Anim’Arte Nam Van. The statement noted that the “MICAF Fun Day” arts carnival will be held from Friday through Sunday during the last two weekends of this month at the Macao Cultural Centre Plaza, featuring interactive performances, handicraft workshops, game booths, a “splash party”, and a “foam party”.
Tickets for the children’s arts festival are now available through Enjoy Macao Ticketing (ticketing.enjoymacao.mo). Registration for workshops is available through the Macao One Account. Some activities charge an entrance fee.
‘Stone Wolves’ puppetry Artistic Director Sandra Neves poses with her puppets during yesterday’s media meeting at the Macao Cultural Centre (MCC) in Nape. – Photo: Ida Cheong
