ŻiguŻajg Festival kicks off today with theatre, music and more 

The 16th edition of the ŻiguŻajg International Art Festival opens today, bringing the arts to young audiences until 22nd November.

Taking place across several venues in Valletta, Msida, Vittoriosa and Gozo, the ŻiguŻajg Festival features a number of local and international productions designed to spark children’s imaginations, introduce them to different cultures and encourage them to explore new perspectives.

The programme features performances for audiences of different ages, from babies experiencing their first show to teens exploring the challenges of growing up in a digital world.

Among this year’s highlight is  Ċaff Ċaff, a production by The New Victorians for babies and their caregivers.

Chalk & Cheese explores friendship and individuality through mime and visual humour, while award-winning Scottish production Tongue Twister celebrates language through multilingual wordplay.

Dance lovers can look forward to Sweet & Sour, a performance celebrating diversity and togetherness, as well as ONE and THE OTHER, whichconsiders the journey of getting to know, understand, and accept someone different from ourselves.

Myths Across the Sea brings together Greek and Maltese cultural references in an imaginative seafaring adventure, while Up Up Up takes audiences on a journey through memory, shared singing, and rediscovery.

Teatru Malta’s Trikki Trakki Truppa production, Il-Ħajja Ħolma, directed by André Agius, offers a contemporary reinterpretation of Calderón de la Barca.

For older audiences, Seven Days examines teenagers’ relationships with smartphones, digital dependency, and the challenges of maintaining friendships beyond the screen.

The film programme at Spazju Kreattiv’s cinema features Papaya, which explores belonging, resilience, and the value of embracing one’s roots, while The Pout-Pout Fish takes audiences on an underwater quest shaped by friendship, self-discovery, and unexpected possibilities. 

The visual arts exhibition Dream, Dare, Do invites children to discover their potential through experimentation, making, and creative expression.

ŻiguŻajg will also return to Gozo for the third time, bringing the production What's Missing to school audiences.

Festival Director Marta Vella said the aim is to ensure every child finds something meaningful in the programme.

“We want every young visitor to find something that speaks to them, whether through a moment of laughter, a surprising discovery, or a story that encourages them to see things differently,” she said.

“ŻiguŻajg is about opening doors to imagination and creating shared experiences that children and families can carry with them.”

The festival is produced by Fondazzjoni Kreattività and the Ministry for Arts, Culture and National Heritage, in collaboration with several cultural partners.

The full programme and ticket information are available at www.ziguzajg.org.