A World of Theatre for Young Children
Around the world, there is a unique form of theatre known as Theatre for Early Years (TEY)—performances created especially for babies, toddlers, and young children.
TEY is based on the belief that young children are among the most genuine and sensitive audiences. Artists learn from children's responses and create performances that inspire their curiosity, imagination, and sense of wonder.
In Japan, opportunities for preschool children to experience high-quality live theatre are still limited. Tsukuba World Children's Theatre connects with leading TEY companies from around the world to bring inspiring performing arts experiences to young children and their families.
In 2026, following the great success of last year's festival, La Baracca – Testoni Ragazzi will once again travel from Bologna, Italy, to perform in Tsukuba.
2026 Performances
In the darkness, everything is quiet.
Then someone turns the switch ON!
A light appears—glowing, dancing, stretching, and transforming.
Look! New shapes begin to emerge.
A flower… a spoon…
Perhaps a mother or a father.
What will it become next?
With simple stage design and outstanding physical performance, this warm, humorous, non-verbal production sparks the imagination of audiences of all ages—from babies to adults.
Perfect for a child's very first theatre experience.
（Running time: approximately 35 minutes）
■Date Monday, October 12, 2026 (National Holiday)
・Performance for Ages 0–2
10:30 AM (Doors Open: 10:00 AM)
・Performance for Ages 3+
2:30 PM (Doors Open: 2:00 PM)
■Venue Tsukuba Capio Hall
■Credits
Created by Andrea Buzzetti, Carlotta Zini & Valeria Frabetti
Directed by Valeria Frabetti
Performed by Andrea Buzzetti
Poster Illustration Filippo Giordano
Poster Design Shiho Okajima
Message of Support
From a global perspective, La Baracca – Testoni Ragazzi of Bologna has long been recognized as one of the pioneering theatre companies dedicated to the development and promotion of Theatre for Early Years (TEY).
Their philosophy of "Children First" is reflected in every aspect of their work. We believe this vision resonates with Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which affirms every child's right to participate in cultural and artistic life, as well as with Japan's national "Children First" initiative promoted by the Children and Families Agency.
Researcher in Theatre for Early Years / Professor, Faculty of Psychology, Meiji Gakuin University
Yuriko Kobayashi
About La Baracca – Testoni Ragazzi
Founded in Bologna, Italy, in 1976, La Baracca – Testoni Ragazzi is one of the world's leading theatre companies dedicated to creating performances for young children.
For nearly 50 years, the company has developed theatre and performing arts primarily for babies, toddlers, and young audiences. Their productions have received numerous prestigious awards, including Grand Prix and Jury Awards at international children's theatre festivals.
La Baracca is also internationally recognized for its research and educational initiatives. The company has collaborated with organizations such as UNESCO and the European Union on projects exploring performing arts for children, earning worldwide recognition for its pioneering work in Theatre for Early Years (TEY).
ON-OFF was developed through research conducted in nursery schools, exploring how young children perceive and respond to light and darkness. The result is a poetic, non-verbal performance that invites even the youngest audiences to discover the world through imagination and play.
Tickets (tax included)
Adults
￥3500
Children(Ages 0-17)
￥1500
Important Notice
※Please be sure to read this before purchasing tickets.
10:30 start / Doors open 10:00
Ages 0–2* / Unreserved seating (floor seating on stage)
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This is a baby theater performance for children aged 0–2. However, older siblings (3+) may also attend together. (A ticket is required for each child.)
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The audience will be invited onto the stage and seated on the floor close to the performers. As seating is on a wooden floor, please bring cushions or mats if needed.
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Nursing and diaper-changing room available (not available for the afternoon performance).
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Stroller parking available.
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If you require wheelchair seating or assistance, please contact the foundation in advance (029-856-7007).
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For those arriving by car, please use nearby paid parking facilities.
No TCF Members discount / Tsukuba senior discount not applicable.
14:30 start / Doors open 14:00
Ages 3 and above / Reserved seating
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This performance is for ages 3 and above. Children aged 2 and under should attend the morning performance. However, older siblings of children aged 2 and under may attend the morning session.
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Stroller parking available.
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If you require wheelchair seating or assistance, please contact the foundation in advance (029-856-7007).
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For those arriving by car, please use nearby paid parking facilities.
No TCF Members discount / Tsukuba senior discount not applicable.
Ticket Reservations by Phone!
You can reserve tickets by phone:
Tsukuba Capio TEL:029-851-2886
Nova Hall TEL:029-852-5881
Tsukuba Cultural Foundation TEL:029-856-7007
You will be redirected to the Tsukuba Cultural Foundation website.
Special Program!
La Baracca Expression Workshops
◉Expression Workshop with Artistic Director Andrea Buzzetti◉
Andrea Buzzetti, who collaborates with educational and artistic institutions worldwide, has long been engaged in research and creation of performing arts for young children.
Ahead of the performance, we will host expression workshops for parents, children, and adults, facilitated by Buzzetti. (Japanese interpretation available)
Facilitator
Andrea Buzzetti
Artistic Director of La Baracca / Actor / Director / Playwright
Born in 1980. Since 2001, he has worked with La Baracca as an actor, director, and playwright.
He has created numerous works for infants and young children and contributed greatly to the company’s international development. His works have received multiple awards at international children’s theater festivals, including: TIBA Festival (Best Artistic Award, Belgrade, 2013)/Summer Puppet Festival (Maribor, 2017)/Festival Spettacolo Interesse (Jury Prize, Ostrava, 2019)/FETEN – European Festival for Children and Youth (Jury Prize, 2022).
He has also taught masterclasses on early childhood theater and co-developed the workshop “Early Years Lab” with Rose Bruford College (London) in 2019.
◉Workshop for Parents and Children
Let’s enjoy expressing ourselves through movement together!
Move your body to music, communicate through senses, and explore expression together.
Even if you’ve never attended theater or workshops before, you are very welcome!
◉Workshop for Adults
Open your sensitivity and imagination, and build creative dialogue with young children
This program is designed for a wide range of participants, including parents, educators, childcare workers, artists, and program developers interested in working with children.
Through hands-on experience, you will learn practical approaches that can be applied directly in your work with children.
Date & Time: October 11 (Sun) 10:30–12:00
(Doors open 10:00)
Target: Children aged 3–6 and their guardians
Capacity: 15 pairs (first-come, first-served)
Fee: ¥3,500 (per parent-child pair)
Venue: Corridoio, 3rd Floor Conference Room
Registration via Peatix
Date & Time: October 11 (Sun) 14:00–17:00
(Doors open 13:45)
Target: Nursery teachers, kindergarten teachers,
and educators
Capacity: 20 participants (first-come, first-served)
Fee: ¥5,000
(¥4,000 for Tsukuba residents working locally)
Venue: Corridoio, 3rd Floor Conference Room
Registration via Peatix
\ Did you know? Cherry blossoms also bloom in Bologna! /
In La Baracca’s hometown, Bologna, cherry trees gifted from Japan bloom in Margherita Park and Cedri Park. These trees were donated by the Japan-Italy Sakura Association, wishing for continued cultural exchange between children in both countries.
If you visit Bologna, be sure to see them!
Venue Information
Tsukuba Capio
1-10-1 Takezono, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-0032
・10-minute walk from Tsukuba Station
(TX Tsukuba Express), Exit A3
・Please use nearby paid parking if arriving by car
Contact
Tsukuba Cultural Foundation
TEL: 029-856-7007 (9:00–17:00, Closed Mondays)
Associazione dei Ciliegi Italo-Giapponese(General inquiries)
