Marking Baboró's 25th anniversary, Flying the Flag is a celebration of children’s right to experience and participate in the arts, created by two of our 2021 artists-in-residence, Judith Higgins and Miquel Barceló.
Judith and Miquel, along with designer Orla Clogher, invited six schools from across Galway city and county to contribute flag designs to be incorporated into a movement piece performed by children as part of the 2021 festival.
Flying the Flag is inspired by the United Nations's Convention on the Rights of the Child. Playing with the idea that Baboró 'planted the flag' of children's right to participate in the arts back in 1997, and responding to Article 13 of the Convention, the project explores the theme of freedom of expression. Through choreographed movement and beautifully designed props and costumes, the performers engage in irrepressible and unapologetic play, channeling birds in flight as the essential symbol of freedom.
Costume and props were designed by Orla, inspired and influenced by the schools' designs. Music composed and performed by Miquel Barceló. Young performers are based in Headford, Co. Galway.
Judith Higgins is a freelance theatre and community artist from Galway. Performer, director, musician, and practitioner, she has specialised in physical and street theatre and dance. After 10 years as Performance Director in Macnas, in 2010 she created Claran Theatre based in Headford Co. Galway where she delivers workshops and creative projects for the children of the area and collaborates with companies such as Branar, Macnas & Drumadore.
Miquel Barceló is a freelance performer artist born in Mallorca and based in Co. Galway. Performer, director, musician, and practitioner, he has specialised in physical and street theatre and theatre for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. He creates his own work and he collaborates with companies such as Branar, Macnas, That’s Life and Manifesto Poetico.
