Harbourfront Centre presents JUNIOR, Toronto’s international children’s festival, over the May long weekend of May 18–20, 2024. Showcasing a wide range of local and international performances, from theatre and dance to circus and hands-on workshops, the entire family can enjoy three days of play, imagination and fun at indoor and outdoor venues across Harbourfront Centre’s 10-acre waterfront location. A dedicated Enhanced Accessibility Day on May 19 features ASL/DSL interpretation, described audio and introductory notes, touch tours, a relaxed guide and “Zen Den” quiet spaces for select events.
With a mix of ticketed, free and pay-what-you-wish events, highlights of JUNIOR include a touching multimedia theatre performance, Robot Song, from Australia’s Arena Theatre Company; the immersive dance production Make Me Dance from Norway’s Panta Rei Danseteater and a heartfelt story about two best (salmon) friends in Finding Home: A Salmon Story Upstream from Theatre Direct Canada and Animacy Theatre Collective. Yassama and the Beaded Calabash is a storytelling adventure created especially for young children from Toronto’s Lua Shayenne.
JUNIOR’s indoor ticketed performances start at $5. Pre-registration is required for some of the festival’s free programming. To learn more about JUNIOR’s full festival programming and for tickets, visit HarbourfrontCentre.com.
“At JUNIOR, we believe growing up is a journey of self-discovery,” says Nathalie Bonjour, Harbourfront Centre’s Director of Performing Arts, “and one of the most compelling ways to facilitate this lifelong exploration is through the transformative power of the arts. In our mission of enhanced accessibility and inclusivity, we welcome children of all ages and their families to connect to the world, their community and themselves through multidisciplinary arts and cultural events that encourage children to delve into their imaginations and ask big questions, all while having fun!”
Nathalie Bonjour. Photo credit: Brian Medina
Q&A with Nathalie Bonjour, festival curator and Harbourfront Centre’s Director of Performing Arts:
Why is youth and children’s and family programming so important?
Harbourfront Centre's JUNIOR Festival is an annual event that celebrates creativity, culture, and family fun. It offers a diverse array of performances, workshops, and interactive experiences tailored to children and families. The festival's focus on youth and family programming is vital for several reasons. It fosters creativity and imagination, encourages learning, expression and cultural appreciation, and provides an opportunity for families to bond through shared experiences. By engaging young audiences in the arts, the festival nurtures future generations of artists and cultural enthusiasts, helping to build a more vibrant and inclusive community.
How many people are you expecting to attend this year?
The JUNIOR Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, including families from various backgrounds and regions. The festival's reputation for offering high-quality, engaging programming ensures a steady stream of attendees. Attendance last year was over 26,000 and this year, we anticipate an even stronger turnout, with many families eager to experience the festival's offerings.
What is the curation process for a festival of this size?
Curating a festival of this size involves a rigorous process of selecting diverse and high-quality performances, workshops, and activities that cater to children and families. I research and travel to see shows for the whole year prior to the festival, sometimes longer, and organize tours with other children’s festivals across Canada. I work to create a well-rounded program that is international and local, multidisciplinary, and that appeals to different age groups and interests. The curation process also considers inclusivity and accessibility, aiming to provide an experience that resonates with a wide audience. I am also supported by a wonderful producing team.
For those who are attending the festival for the first time, what is your pick for a must attend event?
The JUNIOR Festival features a wide range of engaging performances and experiences that cater to different interests and age groups. It is hard to choose one because there is so much to do and experience! I would suggest to make a day out of it - pick one ticketed show and also enjoy free shows and workshops, have lunch on site taking advantage of our food vendors...
Part of the free outdoor offerings, Afrique en Cirque (Quebec) is a thrilling acrobatic show that combines African culture with circus arts, showcasing incredible feats of agility and strength that leave audiences in awe. Benched (Denmark) offers a spectacular dance performance exploring themes of friendship and trust, providing a relatable experience for children and families. Transhumance (Toronto) is a captivating performance that follows a journey of herding sheep through the festival grounds, blending art and nature in a unique and engaging way. The festival also offers several ticketed shows featuring international and local artists, with musical theatre, dance and storytelling, providing audiences with the opportunity to experience exceptional performances in an intimate setting, at an affordable price. Sunday is the day dedicated to accessibility enhancements.
Benched by Uppercut Dance Theater. Photo Courtesy of Artist.
Interview by Glodeane Brown
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