The 28th annual Baboró International Arts Festival for Children will present a vibrant array of events designed to inspire and entertain all children and families. Read all about it here.
This year, Baboró reaffirms its commitment to accessibility and inclusion with a diverse lineup of shows, exhibits and workshops tailored to meet the needs of children with additional needs, including relaxed performances, Irish Sign Language (ISL) events for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, captioned events and audio-described performances and touch tours.
This year’s programme boasts over 50 events for young people of all ages. In addition to showcasing the best of Irish work for young audiences, this year’s programme has a distinctly European flavour, welcoming performance companies from Italy, Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium, Scotland and England.
Here’s a taste of what’s in store for families and schools this October...
Branar's Story of a Day/Scéal an Lae is sure to enchant children aged 5+ years at the Town Hall Theatre during Baboró. This performance is a celebration of storytelling and imagination, told through a beautiful blend of visual and oral storytelling combined with live music by the Contempo Quartet.
Chotto Desh is an enchanting dance theatre experience that tells the story of a boy's journey between Britain and Bangladesh. Created by the acclaimed Akram Khan Company, this performance blends Kathak and contemporary dance with stunning visuals and a captivating narrative. Celebrating the resilience of the human spirit, Chotto Desh is a poignant and visually striking production.
'The Pale Baron' photo by Phile Deprez
The Pale Baron comes to Baboró and Galway all the way from Belgium. This new musical fable, staged at the Black Box Theatre, tells the heartwarming story of friendship and resistance during a repressive regime. Aimed at children aged 10+, the performance celebrates the power of music, words, and friendship, delivered with gentle humour and poignant storytelling.
A madcap musical that explores what toddlers and world leaders have in common, BullyBully presents an awkward yet humorous encounter between two powerful, childish adults. This hilarious performance features funny quarrels, catchy songs, and a heartwarming resolution, demonstrating the importance of compromise. Created by Maas Theater en Dans, known for its bold and engaging productions for young audiences, BullyBully is a must-see.
An absurd tragic horror comedy, Grown Ups delves into the chaotic and often humorous lives of adults. This performance questions what adults really do while children are at school and explores whether they truly have everything under control. Compagnie Barbarie, in collaboration with BRONKS, delivers a thought-provoking yet hilarious portrayal of adult life from a child’s perspective.
'Grown Ups' photo by Franky Verdickt
Arts Alive Galway's Identity Exhibition will be hosted at Outset Gallery; a multimedia exhibition which delves into the multifaceted identities of ten Galway artists with intellectual disabilities. The exhibition challenges societal stereotypes and amplifies the voices of these artists, offering visitors a moving and thought-provoking thirty-minute experience. The exhibition is accessible to all ages and abilities.
Experience the talent of Galway’s young musicians and singer-songwriters at this family-friendly Livefeed Showcase, a project by Music Generation Galway City. This event offers young people the chance to perform in a safe, supportive environment, celebrating the next generation of Irish musical talent.
Fields of Tender is designed for babies aged 3 to 24 months, a playful dance performance offering a sensory experience like no other. Held at the University of Galway, the serene and intimate space invites parents and babies to lose themselves in a captivating blend of dance, music, and interactive visuals. Fields of Tender is inclusive, embracing all behaviours and sensory needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the performance on their own terms. The performance takes place over 90 minutes allowing families to come and go as they wish during that period.
Baboró has commissioned local artist Phillida Eves of Rosán Sensory Adventures, to create a new show especially for school children with complex needs. Antarctica! brings a small audience on an immersive sensory expedition overcoming unknown perils, where ultimately teamwork and comradery win out. The company will be in residence in St. Joseph’s Special School in Newcastle.
The Storybird/Éan na Scéalaíochta: Join Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde and Alan Nolan at St. Brigit’s Garden, Rosscahil for an adventurous quest to find the mysterious Storybird. This outdoor event is perfect for children with a wild imagination and a love for stories, with participants encouraged to dress for the weather and pack their curiosity.
Adults will be interested in Patricia’s inaugural lecture as Laureate na nÓg, Making It Up As We Go Along at Mick Lally Theatre. As well as being a celebrated author who writes in both English and Irish, Patricia is also one of Baboró’s co-founders. With over twenty published books to her name, Patricia’s ambition as Laureate na nÓg is to ignite wild creativity in children by bringing them together with writers and illustrators to imagine new worlds.
Tickets will be available for purchase from www.baboro.ie and the Town Hall Theatre from 4th September at 6pm. Follow Baboró on social media or sign up to their newsletter for the latest programme and box office announcements. Festival programmes are also available at various venues across Galway.
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is Ireland’s flagship festival devoted exclusively to children and families and a registered charity. Baboró is funded by The Arts Council of Ireland and Galway City and County Councils. This year’s festival is supported by Irish Language Partner, Cúla4; Literature Partner, Charlie Byrne’s Bookshops and Sustainable Print Partner, iSupply. Baboró is grateful to the ongoing support of the businesses and venues of Galway.
Cover Photo of 'The Unexpected Gift' by Andrew Perry.
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