Pittsburgh Children's Theater Festival 2018 Performances

PITTSBURGH, PA - Fostering imagination through professional performances from around the world, the 32nd annual EQT Children’s Theater Festival also features hands-on activities, art and music.

This year’s festival takes place May 17-20 at various venues in the Downtown Cultural District. Tickets for the performances start at $9.

“The heart and soul of the festival is to encourage discussion and create an opportunity for families to have meaningful conversations,” Pamela Komar, children’s theater festival executive director, said in a statement. “Rain or shine, with both indoor and outdoor events, the festival is an easily accessible and rewarding way to spend your time.”

The featured performances include:

• “Panda’s Home,” by Compagnia TPO, Italy

Trust Arts Education Center, 805-807 Liberty Avenue
This enchanting and interactive performance allows young audience members to take a journey to ancient China, following the footprints left by a panda. The panda’s “house” is in a forest as large as all of China. In this imaginary journey, audience members will explore China’s stories, tradition, and culture.

• “Poggle,” by Barrowland Ballet, Scotland

August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Avenue
Vince is a boy who wants to explore the forest but is too scared to go on his own. One day, Vince meets Poggle, a friendly woodland creature, and together they go on an adventure through the forest where they discover the magical, musical tree.

• “The Rainbow Fish,” by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia

Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street
Based on the award-winning book about the beautiful fish who learned to share his most prized possession.

• “The Young King,” by Slingsby Theatre Company, Australia

Trust Arts Education Center, 805-807 Liberty Avenue
A naïve boy raised in the countryside is discovered to be heir to the kingdom. Treasures and privileges are laid at his feet, but at what cost to others?

• Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience, Terrance Simien, United States

August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Avenue
Join two-time Grammy-award-winner Terrance Simien and his accomplished band for a unique and powerful musical experience informed by traditional and contemporary influences that has become the signature sound of Louisiana.

• “Sunjata Kamalenya: The Story of the True Lion King of Africa,” Experiential Theater Company, United States

August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Avenue
This completely interactive show celebrates the greatest hero of West African legend, Sunjata Keita, the first mansa (king) of the ancient Empire of Mali.

For tickets and additional information, click here.

Photo via Shutterstock.

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