Holidays give kids a chance to learn way of the ninja
How about these school holidays, instead of football camps or swimming lessons, you teach your kids the way of the ninja?
The Littlest Ninja is the latest theatrical offering from Christchurch’s Court Theatre, opening tomorrow, just in time for those blessed, if not wretched, weeks away from the classroom.
The show was written by Javier Jarquin, a once-regular star of children’s theatre at the Court before creating his solo Card Ninja act.
He has since performed in festivals around the world, including multiple stints at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the local World Buskers Festival.
He spoke to The Press from his home in London ahead of the show opening.
‘‘I remember ages ago seeing a picture of a cute, tiny ninja [and] it made me think of a wee ninja struggling to keep up with the rest,’’ Jarquin said.
‘‘The idea rolled around in my head for about a year and a half before I actually wrote it.’’
The show was for ‘‘anyone that’s ever felt like they don’t belong’’, he said. Miki, an aspiring ninja, soon learns that being true to yourself and standing out is better than trying to be someone you’re not.
‘‘Card Ninja is very much an exaggeration of the person I want to be. The Littlest Ninja is a story I wish I’d had as a child,’’ Jarquin said.
It was an original story, with ‘‘humour, bright characters and physicality’’, he said.
‘‘A secret ninja temple. A villain who wants to steal their secrets. A little ninja who finds her own strength. It’s a children’s show, so it’s a fun show, and I’m sure will be enjoyed by children and parents alike.’’
The show is directed by Kathleen Burns, whom Jarquin met through the Court Jesters years ago. ‘‘I’m very excited for her to put her own spin on the script.’’
The show will run until July 21, with curtain times at 11am and 1pm. The penultimate show will be a ‘‘relaxed’’ performance, when sound, lighting and audience size will adjusted for those with special sensory needs.