(Haipo) – The Haifa Theater's 36th Children's Play Festival is taking place this year at the end of August, just before the summer break ends and the children return to kindergartens and schools. Anyone who enters the festival cannot help but be moved by the special atmosphere that fills the halls and the streets of the Hadar neighborhood: a rare combination of Israeli nostalgia, new creations, family energy and a sense of celebration that manages to momentarily erase the heat, the hustle and bustle and the fatigue of the end of summer. This year, the festival is taking place after a postponement caused by the war during Passover, which has made it a central cultural event of the summer break – one that gives parents and children a moment of breath, joy and magic.
The festival experience: nostalgia that connects generations
Those who came to this year's festival found themselves in an experience that brought back the innocence of yesteryear. In the theater halls, grandparents, parents, and children were seen – three generations sitting together, laughing, getting excited, and singing loudly. As soon as the lights go out and the music begins, all the fatigue of late August disappears. The children are drawn into a world of imagination, and the parents return to moments when they themselves were children.
One of the festival's highlights is the tribute show "Greetings from Kishkasta," marking 60 years of educational television. Childhood stars of entire generations meet on one stage: Nira Rabinovich, Tzipi Mor, Sari Tzuriel, Miki Kam, Hani Nachmias, Ido Mosseri, and Tal Mosseri. They are joined by Niv Shitrit and the cast of the musical "Haifait." The show brings back memories of beloved children's programs - Kishka, Nils Holgersson, Ferfer Nehmed, and Marco, who is looking for his mother. The children enjoy the songs and the activity, but the parents are the ones who sing the loudest.
Ido HaCohen: A director who connects past and present
The show "Dash from Kishkashta" is directed by Ido Hacohen, director and director of the Haifa Theater's acting school. Hacohen often works with young groups of actors and combines musical formats, and this is clearly evident in the current production. He manages to create an exciting connection between nostalgic childhood materials and today's children's audience, while maintaining rhythm, humor, and emotion.
The production brings to the stage a combination of young actors and veteran stars, and succeeds in creating a multi-generational experience that speaks to all ages. Hacohen leads the production with sensitivity and precision, giving it a modern and fresh character.
Tal Mosseri: Energy of a 50-year-old
Child star Tal Mosseri leads the show and proves once again why he remains one of Israel’s most beloved artists. Although he is already 50, Mosseri brings to the stage an explosive energy, infectious enthusiasm and the freshness of an actor in his early career. He manages to hold the audience – children and parents alike – and make the show an unforgettable experience.
Mosseri, who has been accompanying the world of children for decades, manages to combine professionalism, humor, and personal charm. His appearance at the festival is one of the main reasons for his success this year.
Activities in the theater courtyard: Creative solutions to the August heat
Alongside the performances in the halls, the festival offers a variety of activities in the theater courtyard. Despite the intense heat of August, the festival organizers found creative solutions to allow children to enjoy themselves without suffering: shaded areas, water stations, short, air-conditioned activities, and workshops suitable for all ages.
The yard becomes a colorful and happy space where children create, play and hang out, and parents find a moment of rest. The atmosphere outside complements the experience inside, creating a lively festival.
Hadar Awakens: A Festival That Brings the Neighborhood Back to Center Stage
During the festival, thousands of parents and children can be seen crowding the Haifa Theater and filling the streets of the Hadar neighborhood with positive energy. This sight proves once again that Hadar can return to being a vibrant and lively urban center – one that offers culture, cuisine, and shopping at affordable prices.
Cultural anchor events like the festival are the most effective way to transform Hadar into a safe, inviting, and thriving neighborhood. The festival brings in a new audience, families who come to enjoy themselves, and gives the Haifa Municipality leverage to maintain a well-maintained and pleasant public space.
This year's festival: Postponed due to the war – a great success despite everything
This year's festival is taking place after the Passover festival was canceled due to the war. The postponement forced the Haifa Theater to reorganize, build a new schedule, and produce content that is suitable for the summer. Despite the challenge, this year's festival is considered one of the most successful.
The festival offers dozens of original plays, musical performances, creative workshops, and activities for all ages. Many of the productions deal with themes of friendship, courage, imagination, and coping – themes that speak to children during the complex times the country has been going through.
A Tradition of Quality: A Look Back at Past Festivals
The Haifa Children's Play Festival has been considered one of the most important cultural events in the country for children and families for years. In previous years, it took place on the Passover holiday and brought thousands of families to the city from all over the country. The festival has always excelled in quality original productions, collaborations between theaters, award-winning plays, and shows that continued to run after the festival.
This year, despite the postponement, the festival maintains its high standard and presents new content alongside beloved classics.
Moshe Kaptan's first festival as CEO of the Haifa Theater
This year also marks a significant moment for the Haifa Theater: This is the first festival under the direction of Moshe Kaptan, the theater's new CEO. Kaptan, one of the most prominent figures in the Israeli stage world, brings with him a wealth of experience in directing and large-scale productions, and his influence is already evident in the current festival.
Under his leadership, the festival is expanding, renewing itself, and taking on a modern and fresh character. This year’s productions are meticulously organized, with an emphasis on artistic quality alongside an audience experience. Many note that this is one of the most successful festivals to have taken place here in recent years – an especially impressive achievement for the first festival under new management.
End of August: Parents are looking for solutions – and the festival provides an answer
The festival takes place in the last days of August, a time when many parents are already looking for more activities for their children. The intense heat, the high expenses of the summer holidays, and the accumulated fatigue make any quality activity especially sought after.
The festival offers exactly what parents need at this stage: a cultural, moderate, fun event with educational value – and at relatively affordable prices. For the children, it is a celebration of imagination, creativity and laughter; for the parents, it is an opportunity to breathe for a moment and end the summer vacation in a positive and uplifting way.
The official competition: five new original productions
At the center of the festival is the official competition, which features five new original productions created especially for the event. Alongside the competing productions, nine guest performances from Israel's best theaters are presented, including plays in Arabic and Russian and productions adapted for children with special needs.
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