As students from 21 countries gather in the Capital for a host of one-act plays and dance performances,prepare to enter a world of imagination thriving with a cross-cultural vibe. Organised by Ryan Foundation,ICCR and National Bal Bhavan,the theme for this years edition of the International Childrens Festival for Performing Arts (ICFPA) is Brighter Tomorrow. The four-day festival started on December 5 with veteran puppeteer Dadi Pudumjee setting the tone with his signature giant puppets in the opening ceremony. The festival concludes with a presentation by students of the Arab Origami Center from Egypt,childrens theatre from Iran,and a performance by the TYL theatre group from Spain. Daniel Lovecchio,the director of TYL theatre group,says,Our performance is called 4x5,and this the first time we will be staging it in India. The festival is being held across four venues Kamani auditorium,LTG auditorium,Talkatora stadium and the National stadium Fifteen-year-old Elisa Safiullina,from Russia,talks of how the festival makes the world a more interesting place during her first visit to Delhi. ICFPA,which saw its first edition in 2000,has seen some regulars over the years. Says Visha Desilva,choreographer of the Sri Lankan dance group Geetanjali,its a great learning experience for both adults and children. ICFPA ends today. Entry is free. Visit www.ryanicfpa.com for more details. Contact: 26899089
