by Tyno Nguyen
Nestled in the vibrant heart of The Esplanade neighbourhood, the WAYO Children’s Festival is much more than just a fun day out for kids—it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the boundless potential of young minds. Held in two heritage buildings, Berkeley Castle at 2 Berkeley St and the Canadian Stage/Berkeley Theatre at 26 Berkeley St, the festival offers a unique blend of history, culture, and imaginative experiences designed to inspire and delight children of all ages.
From the moment you step into the festival, it’s clear that WAYO is a labour of love, crafted with the needs and dreams of its young attendees at the forefront. The charm of the historic venues adds an extra layer of magic to the event, transporting families into a world where imagination reigns supreme. Every festival corner buzzes with activity, from interactive art stations to live performances that captivate the young and the young at heart.
Isorine Marc, one of the key organizers of the WAYO Children’s Festival, explains the vision behind the event:
“Our goal with WAYO was to create a space where children could explore their creativity freely in an environment that feels both welcoming and inspiring. We chose these heritage sites because they bring a sense of history and wonder, adding depth to the experiences we’re offering.”
A Stage Set for Stories
One of the most enchanting aspects of the WAYO Children’s Festival is its interactive and immersive experiences, which have quickly become a festival highlight. Rather than a traditional stage, the performances unfold organically within the historic settings of Berkeley Castle and the Canadian Stage, allowing audiences to explore, engage closely, and embark on a parkour-like adventure through the world of art
The festival featured various performances across its six sites over two heritage buildings, each uniquely crafted to engage children through interactive theatre, photo exhibit, storytelling, shadow puppet show, Indigenous hoop dance, and origami craft.
One of the standout performances at the Canadian Stage/Berkeley Theatre was the Shadow Puppetry Show. This unique performance, developed specifically for the festival, depicted the interaction between a curious young girl and various animals from the earth, sky, and water. The show combined humour, adventure, and a touch of magic to engage children, teaching them about the rich connections between humans and the natural world as they explored the historic surroundings of Berkeley Castle.
A parent who attended the show with their child shared:
“The puppetry was incredible, and the story was engaging. My daughter couldn’t stop talking about the animals and their adventures. It’s amazing how a story can connect children with the natural world in such a captivating way.”
Another memorable experience at the WAYO Children’s Festival was an interactive session led by zookeepers. They invited the children to uncover hidden pictures, revealing stunning photographs taken by Edwin Manina in Kenya, East Africa. The children were captivated by the images depicting Kenyan people, the lake, and farm animals. Engaging the young audience, the zookeepers asked questions like, ‘What animals do you see in the picture?’ and ‘What are the people doing?’ They added fun details, such as how cows enjoy listening to music, to spark the children’s imaginations.
In a touching final moment, the zookeepers asked the adults to step outside the circle, leaving the children seated together in the center. This gesture gently conveyed the message that children are always protected by adults. The zookeepers asked, ‘Do you feel safe now?’ reinforcing the importance of protecting and loving animals. The children cheered loudly at the end, eager to continue their journey to the next part of the festival.
The festival at Berkeley Castle featured an interactive storytelling session, with one particularly popular session titled ” Storytelling Circle” involving a captivating tale of friendship among animals like the Orca, Bear, Possum, Caribou, and the Night Owl. This dynamic storytelling experience allowed children to engage deeply with the narrative, as the storyteller adjusted the pace and details based on the audience’s reactions, making the session feel personalized and interactive.
The storyteller, performing at WAYO for the first time, described the experience as follows: ‘There’s something magical about seeing a child’s face light up during a story. WAYO gives us the chance to create those moments and connect with kids in a way that’s both meaningful and fun. It’s a reminder of how powerful stories can be in capturing young imaginations.
Les moutons by Corpus Dance, a performance art piece featuring actors dressed as sheep wandering freely among the festivalgoers, added to the festival’s unique charm. This whimsical and unexpected addition captivated children and adults, offering surprise and delight as the “sheep” interacted playfully with the audience. The performance blurred the lines between reality and imagination, embodying the festival’s spirit of creativity and wonder.
A festival attendee remarked:
“The sheep were such a fun and unexpected part of the day. My kids were giggling the whole time, and it added to the magical atmosphere of the festival.”
The Community at Its Core
But what truly sets WAYO apart is its community-driven nature. This festival is a testament to what can be achieved when a neighbourhood comes together with a shared vision. Local businesses, artists, and volunteers all play a vital role in bringing the festival to life, each contributing their unique touch. It’s a collective effort that reflects the spirit of The Esplanade—a community that values creativity, inclusivity, and the joy of shared experiences.
One of the local business owners involved in the festival spoke about the importance of supporting events like WAYO: “We’re proud to be part of this community and to support an event that brings so much joy to our neighbourhood. WAYO isn’t just about giving kids a fun day out; it’s about investing in the future, nurturing creativity, and building a stronger, more connected community.”
The festival’s success lies in creating a space where children feel both seen and heard. It’s a place where their participation matters, and they can take the lead in creating something beautiful and exploring their potential in a safe, supportive environment. As the festival continues to grow, it will undoubtedly inspire even more young minds and strengthen the bonds within the community.
In the words of one festival attendee, “WAYO is like a little world of its own. Seeing how much thought and care has gone into every detail is amazing. It’s not just about the activities: it’s about the feeling you get when you’re here like you’re part of something special.”
WAYO Children’s Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the limitless possibilities that arise when a community comes together to create something extraordinary for its youngest members.
WAYO Children’s Festival 2024 – Credits
Presented and Produced by: Jamii
Artists: Les moutons (The Sheep) by CORPUS
Conceived and Choreographed by: David Danzon & Sylvie Bouchard
Directed by: David Danzon
Performers: Robert Feetham, Giulia Pittiglio, Nicola Pantin, Christian Lavigne, Daibei Wang
Costumes: Joanne Leblanc
Stage Manager: Natalia Długosz
Safari for Little People Performers: Troy Feldman (Aug 7 & 8), Matthew Krist (Aug 9), Patrick de Belen (Aug 10 & 11)
Photography by: Edwin Maina (Kenya)
Storyteller: Germaine Konji (they/them)
Puppets created by: Clay and Paper Theatre
Shadow Puppets created and performed by: Drawing with Knives Shadows (Brescia Reid) and Hafsa Ismail
Dancer: Maulid Owino (Kenya)
Indigenous Hoop Dancer: Emilee Ann Pitawanakwat
Face Painter: Linda Epp
WAYO Staff
Founder & Alchemist (Artistic & Executive Director): Isorine Marc
Implementer (Events & Project Manager): May Chook
Amplifier (Director of Communications): Iris Unlu
Enabler (Administrator): Yusra Yacout
Community Arts Coordinator: Karen Lam
Communications Assistant: Christiana Ceesay
Event Crew: Akram Yacout, Alyssa Mackenzie, Hakeem Ali, Kai Muyoboke, MJ Osman, Omer Osman, Tyson Pinette-Hubschmann
Craft Station Leads: Hadeal Karrar, May Yu, Nada Yakot, Raecheal Goddard