You are the star: Hong Kong arts carnival pushes participation
Everyone from babies to adults will have opportunities to literally join in the fun at series of events over July and August
Spread the word — everyone is invited. Although the annual International Arts Carnival is ostensibly a summer highlight for children, organisers say there is something for everyone this year.
"We are trying to broaden our participant base," says Doreen Lau, manager of Leisure and Cultural Services Department's Festivals Office, adding the month-long festival will feature events for all age groups, from infants to parents.
This is the 16th year the department has staged the carnival. With more than 100,000 expected to attend the various events, it faces the challenge of keeping them entertained with fresh ideas and themes. Many events will encourage participation, Lau says.
In the interactive production (July 30-August 2), babies under a year old will, with the help of floating balloons, streamers, and colourful lighting, create a world of their own on stage and take their parents on a journey through their imagination. Parent-child pairs can enter the stage as performers; for those who just wish to watch, there will be a designated audience area.
The puppet show (July 16-19) will offer another opportunity for parents to bond with their children. They can work together in workshops to create puppets that will be used in the show, Lau says. The show itself, performed by puppeteer Jeff Achtem, founder of Bunk Puppets, is critically acclaimed and won the Total Theatre Award in the 2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
