7th Little Ladies, Little Gentlemen International Children’s Theatre Festival

 

The 23rd of April is a unique and a very special international celebration. The founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, dedicated this day to the children of the country to emphasize that they are the future of the new nation.

It was on April 23rd, 1920, during the War of Independence, that the Grand National Assembly met in Ankara and laid down the foundations of a new, independent, secular and modern republic from the ashes of the Ottoman Empire. He dedicated the day to the children and entrusted in the hands of the youth the protection of this sovereignty and independence.

Since 1979, the children of Turkey have shared this national holiday with the children of the world. Hundreds of children from different countries and cultures, hosted by families, meet in festivities to discuss, interact, learn about each other and share the joy of togetherness and the hope for peace. The importance of this day is also recognized by UNICEF. Some countries also celebrate this day.

Since its foundation in 1949, Turkish State Theatre pays special attention to plays for children and includes them in its repertoire, since children are not only our future, but also our future actors, actresses, directors, designers and audience... So they are the future of theatre.

For this reason, Turkish State Theatre wishes to contribute the children's day with a special festival, named "Little Ladies Little Gentlemen", after a speech addressed to children by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk:

"Little ladies, little gentlemen,
You are all the roses, the stars and the sparkling joys 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:

• The festival will be held in Ankara (the capital city of Turkey) between 24th - 29th April, 2011.
• The host of the festival is Ankara State Theatre.
• The 23rd of April is considered as the check-in day. No performance will be on this day.
• The 24th of April will be the opening day.
• The performance days are between 25th and 29th of April 2011.
• The groups will depart on the 30th of April 2011.
• Each play will be performed twice in a day.
• All groups are invited to stay for a whole week.
• The festival is non-competitive.

 

Festival Contacts:
E-mail:
Phones:
+90 312 324 40 94
+90 312 310 42 30/1334
Postal address:
Devlet Tiyatrolari Genel Müdürlügü
Dis Iliskiler ve Festivaller Birimi
06050 Ulus-Ankara
Turkiye/Turkey

Web Site:
www.devtiyatro.gov.tr/23nisan

 

Program of Little Ladies, Little Gentlemen