The Haifa International Festival of Children’s Plays, which opened the world of culture to children at the Pesach festival, which took place again this year in its full format with performances from Israel and around the world, attracted close to 50,000 people during the three days of the festival.
Winners of the 32nd Haifa International Festival of Children’s Performances:
The play won first place in the category of the best play for children, the Haifa Cultural Foundation Award “The best bear there is” Which tells the story of the bear berry who was born into a dynasty of outstanding bears in karate – and is destined to continue on their way. But secretly in his heart he dreams of finding a hobby that he will truly love. When he discovers the world of music and playing the piano, he decides, against all odds and against the rest of his bear friends who mock him, to try and become the first pianist in the forest. The play is an operetta for children which is a musical rehearsal alongside live playing on stage. The show deals with the issue of difference and the possibility of being different from the other and going with the inner truth.
An original and imaginative show
He directed the play Fellow Age. A play by Tom Khodrov and Chen Gerty
From the judges’ reasons for choosing: “An original and imaginative play, in which all the stage elements connect and enrich each other. A very high level of performance by the actors and all the creators. It is an innovative theatrical format in the world of children’s plays and the result is entertaining, exciting and thought-provoking.”
The play won a cash prize worth NIS 10,000 as a gift from the Haifa Cultural Foundation.
Five out of hundreds
Out of the hundreds of proposals submitted in the early stages of the competition, five original performances were selected for the competition led by the artistic director Roi Segev Which is the second year of his tenure. This year’s festival performances stood out in their originality and had a unique and rich theatrical language. The selected plays received artistic support and accompaniment and were premiered worldwide at the festival.
The winners of the various awards were selected by a panel of judges that included the director, lecturer and content editor Yossi RonenThe actress Efrat BoimoldThe director Goma FriedSet designer Alexandra NardiCEO of the Art and Culture Association in Ganei Tikva Michal Aharoni.
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Nitza Ben Zvi Director of the Haifa Theater and Festival:
We are happy for the expression of trust of the warm audience who came and participated in the festival events for the 32nd year in a row. This year, the festival returned to its international format and an air train of hundreds of actors and stage people from all over the world came to present their wonderful street performances to the audience in Haifa. We are already working on the preparations for the 33rd festival next year and congratulate the winners of the competition.
Haifa Mayor Dr. Einat Klish Rotem:
I congratulate the winners of the Haifa International Children’s Play Festival. Thank you to all who do the craft. Warm congratulations to the talented creators and I am happy about the existence of the festival, despite everything.
The artistic director of the festival, Roi Segev:
Awards is a wonderful and exciting thing, but the work is the really great gift and the festival is a fertile and rich ground for quality work for children.
Complete list of winners:
- Best Children’s Show Award – “The best bear there is”
- Play Award – Ran talked about “the wrong rune”
- Directing Award – Liat Fishman Levy on “The Wrong Run”
- Actor Award – Ophir Weil in “Tito’s Eyes”
- Actress Award – Esti Zakheim in “Granny Knits”
- Music Design Award – Nadav Vikinsky in “The Best Bear There Is”
- Decor Design Award – Gili Godiano in “Granny Knits”
- Lighting Design Award – Yanir Lieberman in “The Best Bear There Is”
- Traffic Design Award – Amit Levy in “Surprise Egg”
- Costume Design Award – Shira Wise in “The Best Bear There Is”
- Commendation for ensemble work – Actors of the play “Surprise Egg”
The Haifa Theater produces the festival at the initiative and with the support of the Haifa Municipality and with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Lottery.
