21st Little Ladies, Little Gentlemen International Children’s Theatre Festival Kicks Off in Ankara
Ankara, April 24 – The 21st Little Ladies, Little Gentlemen International Children’s Theatre Festival, organized by the State Theatres (DT), commenced yesterday with the performance of the play “Imagine” by the “Compagnie de la Liberte” troupe.
As part of the festival’s opening, DT Chief Director Esat Tanrıverdi, accompanied by participating children, visited Anıtkabir. Tanrıverdi and the children walked along the Lion Road and laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Following a moment of silence, Tanrıverdi proceeded to the Misak-ı Milli Tower and signed the Anıtkabir Special Book.
In the special book, Tanrıverdi wrote: “My Great Atatürk, inspired by your guiding words that begin with ‘Little Ladies, Little Gentlemen,’ as State Theatres, we are organizing the ‘Little Ladies, Little Gentlemen International Children’s Theatre Festival,’ bringing together art troupes from all over the world with our children. Through these gatherings, we foster friendship, peace, and cultural sharing through the universal language of theatre. Today, in the brightness of April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, which you gifted to us, we address you with a festival full of children’s joy. We promise to work with all our might for future generations to raise our Republic and its bright future, our children, in the light of art; for a world where children never stop dreaming and believe in goodness and beauty. Rest in peace.”
Colorful Procession at Kuğulu Park
A procession was held on Tunalı Hilmi Street as part of the festival. The march, accompanied by the Police Band under the direction of Chief İlhan Kelleci, also included mounted police. Mascots and foreign theatre groups also participated in the procession, where Tanrıverdi greeted the children and citizens. Participants reached Kuğulu Park by dancing and singing.
After open-air events and various performances at the park, Tanrıverdi and the children arrived at Akün Stage for the festival’s opening program. The program was hosted by 10-year-old Asya Esen and Güney Kaya. A video presentation on the festival’s history was also shown.
“Dream, Discover, Laugh, and Applaud”
Speaking at the event, DT Chief Director Esat Tanrıverdi emphasized that the festival is not only an event where children and art meet, but also a strong indicator of faith in the future, the value given to children, and respect for their imagination. Referring to the festival’s history, Tanrıverdi said, “Our festival, which has grown every year since 2005, is now being staged all over Ankara in its 21st year.”
Addressing the children, Tanrıverdi stated, “Dear children, theatre is one of the most beautiful ways to dream, think, and share. Every play you watch on these stages will take you to new worlds.” Tanrıverdi concluded his speech with the words, “Little ladies, little gentlemen, our stages are ready for you. Dream, discover, laugh, and applaud.”
Following the speech, the play “Imagine” by the “Compagnie de la Liberte” troupe met with the children. The festival will continue until April 30, featuring 11 foreign productions from France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Brazil, Georgia, and TRNC, as well as 24 local plays selected from 12 regions of the State Theatres.
