The 2025 Shanghai International Children's Theatre Festival will run from Oct 1 to Nov 30, bringing 23 outstanding productions from 10 countries and regions, including China, Denmark, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Beyond the captivating performances, ticket holders will be treated to a variety of exclusive perks. These include special festival discounts from Shanghai's renowned heritage brands, commercial zones in Jing'an district, and a range of cultural venues, promising a rich and immersive experience for all attendees.

Tickets can be purchased by searching "上海国际儿童戏剧艺术节 (Shanghai International Children's Theatre Festival)" on the "摩天轮 (MoreTickets)" WeChat Mini program.

China premieres:

The Ladies' Wildrobe

• Where: China Welfare Institute Children's Art Theatre
• When: Oct 12 at 10:15 am, 2 pm, and 4:30 pm
• Type: Dance drama
• Suitable for: Ages 3 and above
• Produced by: La Bete a Plumes (Belgium)

Enter a world where everything comes to life. Two mysterious illusionists conjure wonders from almost nothing, offering a rollercoaster of surprises. Hats spin and fly, hands dance and transform into fleeting creatures. In this enchanting realm, the line between reality and imagination blurs.

My Herbal World

• Where: China Welfare Institute Children's Art Theatre
• When: Oct 16 – Nov 30
• Type: Digital theater experience
• Suitable for: Ages 3 and above
• Produced by: China Welfare Institute Children's Art Theatre

Answer the call of an urgent recruitment letter from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)! Your master's Compendium of Materia Medica has been accidentally damaged, and the apprentices need clever partners to help restore the ancient text. Embark on a brave journey into the world of herbs and embrace the challenge.

A-do-le-TA

• Where: China Welfare Institute Children's Art Theatre
• When: Oct 18 to 19 at 11 am and 3:30 pm
• Type: Dance drama
• Suitable for: Ages 3 and above
• Produced by: Selma Daniel Dance (Ireland)

Join Joy and Sky in a world where anything is possible. A tent becomes a crab, an umbrella a cloud, and the moon sings! Through play, two friends overcome differences and creatively expand their reality.

Ten Thousand Hours

• Where: Roewe Shanghai Children's Art Theatre
• When: Oct 18 at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm; Oct 19 at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
• Type: Creative new circus
• Suitable for: Ages 4 and above
• Produced by: Gravity & Other Myths (Australia)

The 10,000-hour practice is the journey from ordinary to extraordinary. Australian artists deconstruct the daily training and performances of new circus performers, showcasing spectacular aerial stunts, astonishing balance, and exceptional body control. Feel the courage and dedication behind the 10,000-hour rule while marveling at their high-difficulty feats.

Go for it, Kids

• Where: China Welfare Institute Children's Art Theatre
• When: Oct 25 to 26 at 10:15 am and 2 pm
• Type: Comedy
• Suitable for: Ages 3 and above
• Produced by: Gabez (Japan)

Masa and Hitoshi invite you into a fantastical world that springs from two dimensions. Their imaginative physical comedy creates a whimsical space-time, offering a delightful and heartwarming family theater experience. Open your eyes and heart to the world of anime imagination.

Vai Via

• Where: Roewe Shanghai Children's Art Theatre
• When: Oct 31 at 7:30 pm; Nov 1 at 10:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 7:30 pm; Nov 2 at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
• Type: Children's play
• Suitable for: Ages 5 and above
• Produced by: Xirriquiteula Teatre (Spain)

Old lady Rita may be homeless, but her violin case is brimming with stories. Step into Rita's world and experience her life journey, from a joyful childhood to a lonely old age.

Mama's Kitchen

• Where: China Welfare Institute Children's Art Theatre
• When: Nov 2, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 at 10:15 am and 2 pm
• Type: Musical shadow play
• Suitable for: Ages 5 and above
• Produced by: China Welfare Institute Children's Art Theatre

The kitchen is a vessel of emotions. When a mother unexpectedly returns to the kitchen of her childhood home, long-dormant utensils are brought back to life. Multimedia projections cast seasonal scenes, blending tradition with modernity. Through humorous interactions and an immersive cooking experience, come to rediscover childhood memories amid laughter and tears.

Frida's Incredible Journey

• Where: Roewe Shanghai Children's Art Theatre
• When: Nov 7 at 7:30 pm; Nov 8 at 10:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 7:30 pm; Nov 9 at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
• Type: Clown theatre
• Suitable for: Ages 5 and above
• Produced by: Paolo Nani Teater (Denmark)

Frida receives an exciting letter from her best friend, who has moved to the other side of the world. How could she refuse the warm invitation? With her suitcase, pet chick, and cat in tow, Frida sets off on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Sources: WeChat account of the General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government at "shanghaifabu", China Welfare Institute Children's Art Theatre, Roewe Shanghai Children's Art Theatre