Philadelphia International Theatre Festival for Children: May 21-25

The 13th annual gathering of international performers and throngs of school children and families will host theatre companies and performers from six countries giving 70 performances of ten theatre productions during the five-day celebration performing arts. Performances are held in the Annenberg Center's Zellerbach Theatre (ZT), Studio Theatre (ST), Prince Theatre (PT) and Annenberg School Theatre (AST), Movement Theatre International (MTI) and International House (IH). Tickets: $7 per person for the first performance and $3.50 for each additional show. Information: 898-6791 or on the web at www.pennpresents.org.

In addition to the shows listed below left, there are outdoor activities and events including Stageworks featuring jugglers and musicians (free to the public); Playworks showcasing folk artists and their crafts with a chance for hands-on participation (free to ticketholders).


-- The Secret Window; Philadelphia Festival Theatre for New Plays & Het Waterhuis; US/The Netherlands (world premiere of a festival first, a commissioned piece by Elizabeth Swados); grades 2 and up. (ZT) May 21, noon and 7:30 p.m.; May 22, noon, 7 p.m.; May 23, noon, 7 pm.; May 24, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; May 25, noon.

-- Tamakko-Za; Taiko Drum Theatre; Japan; all ages. (ZT) May 21, 10 a.m.; May 22, 10 a.m.; May 23, 10 a.m.; May 24, noon and 2 p.m.; May 25, 2 and 4 p.m.

-- The Impossible Balance; Jim Jackson, US; all ages. (IH) May 21, 10 a.m.; May 22, noon; May 23, 10 a.m.; May 24, noon and 2 p.m.; May 25, noon and 4 p.m.

-- Salvador; le Carrousel Theatre; Quebec, Canada; grades 2 and up. (MTI) May 21, noon; May 22, 10 a.m.; May 23, 10 a.m.; May 24, noon and 3 p.m.; May 25, 1 and 3:30 p.m.

-- Tir na n-Og; Travelling Light Theatre Company; England; grade 2 and up. (AST) May 21, noon; May 22, 10 a.m.; May 23, noon; May 24, noon and 2 p.m.; May 25, 2 p.m.

-- Towering; Theater Terra; The Netherlands; grade 1 and up. (IH) May 21, noon; May 22, 10 a.m.; May 23, noon; May 24, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; May 25, 2 p.m.

-- Pero (or the Mysteries of the Night); Speeltheater Holland; The Netherlands; grade 1 and up. (AST) May 21, 10 a.m.; May 22, noon; May 23, 10 a.m., May 24, 10 a.m.& 4 p.m.; May 25, noon and 4 p.m.

-- Still; Huis aan de Amstel Theater; the Netherlands; grade 1 and up; (PT) May 21, 10 a.m.; May 22, noon; May 23, noon; May 24, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. May 25, 2 p.m.

-- A Lady in the Cupboard; Blauw Vier Theater; Belgium; pre-k and up. (PT) May 21, noon; May 22, 10 a.m.; May 23, 10 a.m.; May 24, noon and 2 p.m.; May 25, noon and 4 p.m.

-- Block; Theatre Sirkel; The Netherlands; pre-k and up. (ST) May 21, 10 a.m.; May 22, noon; May 23, noon; May 24, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; May 25, noon and 3 p.m.

Photos: Above: Jim Jackson (USA); At right: Pero by the Speeltheater Holland (the Netherlands).Photo by Rob Karsten


ACADEMIC CALENDAR

1 Final Exams. Through May 9.

17 Alumni Day.

18 Baccalaureate Service; 3 p.m.; Irvine Auditorium.

19 Commencement; procession begins, 9:30 a.m., on Locust Walk; service follows at Franklin Field.

20 12-Week Evening and Summer Session I Classes begin.