Over 50 children participated in a World Children’s Day celebration organised by the Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM) and the National Theatre Festival Brunei (NTFB) at Digadong Hall, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) recently.
The event ‘Listen to the Future’ aimed to empower underprivileged children through theatre and performing arts.
The celebration began with a performance of Nasi Katok Nini by 247 Studios.
The short musical, centred around a family-run business, highlighted the values of hard work and traditional wisdom, emphasising lessons passed down from elders.
Following the performance, participants engaged in theatre workshops led by facilitators from 247 Studios, Akademi Panggung Sri Utama (APSUE), and Studio Elevé.
The workshops focused on acting, public speaking, and choreography, offering children hands-on experiences in stagecraft and self-expression. During the acting workshop, facilitated by 247 Studios, children explored body language and movement to effectively convey emotions.
In the public speaking workshop, APSUE guided participants in developing their communication and presentation skills.
The choreography workshop, led by Studio Elevé, introduced basic dance moves and choreography, encouraging creativity and coordination.
Prizes were awarded to the best-performing children in each workshop, recognising their enthusiasm and newly acquired skills.
Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the MCYS Pengiran Haji Rosli bin Pengiran Haji Halus, was the guest of honour.
The event marked a continuation of MKM and NTFB’s collaboration, following the third National Theatre Festival in Brunei in August 2023.
Proceeds from last year’s festival, which featured nine local performing arts groups, were channelled into the Theatre Arts Fund.
The fund aims to make theatre accessible to underprivileged communities and expand the local performing arts scene. – Fadley Faisal
