It’s been 35 years since the International Children’s Festival of the Arts has entertained exuberant crowds of all ages.
Judging by the thicker than usual throngs navigating trails along the banks of the Sturgeon River, it’s where this week’s action is.
In keeping with it’s multicultural theme, the festival looks at building cultural bridges and developing connections.
Below are a few reviews of feature shows that run until Saturday, June 4. Tickets are $11 and are available at 780-459-1542, online at ticketmaster.ca or at Arden box office.
The Book of Ashes
Ă©cole Father Jan School
Recommended Ages: 8 and older
In the world premiere of The Book of Ashes, the character Abu states, “The skies were made for birds, not bombs.” He is right, of course.
However, Basra, the second largest city in Iraq, has no choice. The British are advancing troops and soon Basra will be scorched from tanks and bombs.
In the middle of impending war and uncertainty, Alia (Nimet Kanji), the city’s chief librarian is desperate to save ancient books and manuscripts that define and teach Iraq’s culture and history.
Her personal code is, “We must protect what we love.”
Believing that war brings total destruction, Alia tries to save books by smuggling them to a safe place. However, a general who believes his men offer the necessary protection stymies her efforts.
“This is our past,” Alia cries. “Without these books, what is our past?”
However, Alia and a young boy Amir (Aidan Burke) have developed a special bond over their shared passion for literature. As Amir comes to realize the importance of books in a culture and the extent of war’s destruction, he adopts Alia’s crusade and tries to rally support. His awakening is simple, yet beautifully constructed.
This is a story worth sharing, in part because it was inspired by true events. It’s a very compelling story of how war pits neighbour against neighbour. But it’s also a tale of great courage of people what put personal issues aside to perform the seemingly impossible.
Playwright Emil Sher (Hana’s Suitcase) has shaped the story with poetic language and mystical references. But it is the special relationship between Alia and Amir that transcends and illuminates.
Director Tracy Carroll brings this stunning story to life as we see the best of humanity fight for their beliefs. In fact, the last scene left me with goose bumps.
At a time when leaders across the world talk about building walls, The Book of Ashes tears them down giving us much-needed inspiration and hope.
The Gizmo Guys
Standard General Tent
All Ages
The Gizmo Guys juggled balls and jokes before a super-packed house in the Standard General Tent. For over an hour Allan Jacobs and Barrett Felker dazzled kids with their personable manner, nimble banter and dexterous juggling.
Normally their set is 45-minutes, but Wednesday morning several classes were a bit late due to busing issues.
Rather than let the hyperactive crowd of preschool and young elementary children stew, Jacobs strode onto the stage, explained they were holding the show for 15-minutes and invited young children from the audience to come up and tell jokes.
The first was a “poop” joke and the entire tent erupted into raucous laughter. Jacobs sitting on stage beside the five-year old comic didn’t even bat an eye. After 30-years in the business, you’ve seen and heard it all. And it was the perfect icebreaker.
Jacob’s smooth comedic improvisations and Felker’s ability to shoot ping-pong balls from his mouth were jaw dropping. As for the synchronized juggling routines with Chinese yoyos, rhythm sticks, bowler hats, bricks and bowling pins, they were showy and performed with a fluid artistry.
Jacobs and Felker have practically written the book on juggling and through their expertise, wit and showmanship, they provided a consummate family performance.
Afrique en Cirque
Kalabanté Productions
Save-On-Foods Arden Theatre Stage
All Ages
The bare Arden stage opens with a set of traditional African drums, blue gym mats and four gourds sitting under a spotlight.
Suddenly the drums explode and barefoot athletes tumble onto the stage performing backflips, cartwheels and headstands.
After the applause dies down, a furtive figure wearing winged sneakers slinks on stage and proceeds to steal the dreams of sleeping villagers.
Once they realize their dreams are gone, the chattering villagers harness their energy as muscular gravity-defying acrobats to tell their story.
Unfortunately, Afrique en Cirque’s narrative is relayed in Guinean, and the language barrier creates a block in understanding how the acrobats are integrated into the plot.
That in no way detracts from dazzling routines. It is thrilling stuff.
Of the eight athletes, six are men. Their feats of strength, balance and coordination building human pyramids and towers are incredible.
And the two women were phenomenal contortionists twisting their bodies into pretzel like shapes that would put the average person in traction.
In one of their most impressive routines, the duo intertwines arms and legs forming a wheel that rolls across the stage.
Although adding an introductory explanation in English would have enriched the experience, just the acrobatics alone are worth the price of admission.
