The following quotes represent just small snippets from the many conversations being had during two events on Saturday, May 27th, 2017 which were held as part of the Cradle of Creativity Focus Day on Theatre for the Early Years.
During a panel discussion, members of the Small Size Network explored the reasons for which they create and perform pieces for Babies and Toddlers:
“Theatre and Art in general can feed their creativity […] and help them grow […] we want to plant seeds in their imaginary […] we want to nourish their inner world by sharing what we love.” – Gaêtane Reginster (Belgium)
“For me a spectator – the woman, the man, the boy, the girl – share together a lived experience […] children under 3, children under 2, children under 1 are fantastic spectators.” – Roberto Frabetti (Italy)
“[Speaking of the creation of the Small Size Network…] It was the wish to come together. It was the wish to make an exchange of education systems in different countries […] we wanted to create something together.” – Barbara Kölling (Germany)
“[Speaking of the benefits of being a member of the Small Size Network…] What’s possible when you have contact with this Small Size philosophy and family […] it takes the pressure off you, in your reality, to do it all by yourself.” – Cliodhna Noonan (Ireland)
During a symposium, led by Dr Lise Hovik (Norway) and Eivind Haugland (Norway), on the relational aesthetics of Toddler Theatre:
“Relational aesthetics is about the people, first and foremost, the meeting between the actors and audience […] it becomes a social space more than artistic work.” – Dr Lise Hovik (Norway)
“Relational aesthetics is a way to argue for the importance of theatre for toddlers.” – Eivind Haugland (Norway)
“There’s a lot of experimental work being done and that changes the way of thinking about the relationship with the audience.” – Symposium Participant
