Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1514108
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 7 JANUARY 2024 4 CULTURE Under the sea and over the moon: HPA's Little Mermaid JR wows audiences IN a dazzling showcase of tal- ent and unwavering dedica- tion, the Hoi Polloi Academy (HPA) triumphantly captivat- ed audiences throughout the weekend from the 24th to the 26th of November with their spectacular production of Dis- ney's The Little Mermaid JR. Deep dive into excellence The show not only garnered overwhelming applause but al- so achieved an impressive 93% in sales over the three-day run, drawing in a diverse audience of over 500 individuals. The academy's Facebook page be- came a platform for numerous attendees to express heartfelt praise, unwavering support, and profound appreciation for the dedication exhibited by all students, staff, and backstage crew members. "It was a brilliant show; we loved every minute!! Well done, everyone!" "Kudos! A great show and many lovely young perform- ers!" "Well done for the great show and the young talented artists. Keep on shining, stars!" The exceptional acclaim garnered serves as a powerful testament to the Academy's unwavering commitment to creating theatrical experiences that are both memorable and captivating. Theatre teaches skills that last a lifetime Beyond the thrilling perfor- mances and vibrant stage sets, the production showcased the invaluable lifeskills cultivated through the theatrical journey. "Behind the curtains, our young stars aren't merely per- formers," shared Marco A. Calleja, Executive Producer and Director at HPA. "They're forming skills—confidence and creativity—that extend beyond the stage, moulding them into responsible citizens, empathetic adults, skilled ar- tisans, nurturing parents, and inspiring role models." The production emphasised the significance of teamwork, collaboration, and improvisa- tion, as reflected in the heart- felt testimonials from parents who actively participated in the show's behind-the-scenes efforts. "I have learnt so much in the last few days (helping out with the show). I fully appreciate and understand more the ded- ication and sacrifice of peo- ple in the theatre world. The Hoi Polloi Academy is making plenty of young people happy, so keep shining!" "After last weekend's pro- duction, I absolutely consider myself a proud parent, more than ever! From the moment the play started, I was capti- vated by the energy, passion, and talent that filled the stage. The production was not only a showcase of individual tal- ent but also a testament to the power of teamwork." These testimonials under- score the transformative impact of the theatrical ex- perience, highlighting the development of confidence, creativity, and a sense of com- munity among the partici- pants. What's on the horizon for HPA? As the curtain falls on The Little Mermaid Jr, HPA invites aspiring talents to embark with them on a new theatrical journey. Registrations are now open for the final time this scholastic year for those eager to join HPA in Term 2. And the excitement contin- ues without a pause! Acad- emy students can anticipate thrilling adventures, begin- ning this week with a journey to Birmingham, England, for the Junior Theatre Festival on May 18th and 19th, 2024. This event unites schools and youth groups from across the UK and Europe, promising a dynamic day brimming with the exhila- ration of musical theatre. Also starting in January is the journey culminating with the Trinity College Drama Exams in May 2024. Founded in 1872, Trinity College London stands as a prominent interna- tional awarding organisation, publisher, and independent education charity. Our exper- tise lies in evaluating com- municative and performance skills, encompassing music, drama, combined arts, and the English language.