Individuals with special needs featured in the play “Martin, The Little Wolf”

Individuals with special needs take center stage when The Child’s World – A Growing Center (TCW-AGC)—a school for two to four-year olds and for nuero-diverse individuals with special needs— presents “Martin, The Little Wolf.” The play will be unveiled at the Star Theater on March 9, 2019, Saturday, at 3 pm.

“Martin, The Little Wolf,” is a story of a different baby wolf and how he finds integration into his pack through the love and understanding of those around him, and through the affirmation of his unique traits. This production by TCW-AGC is based on a 2016 play created by Martino Picolo Lupo, Gionata Bernasconi, and Simona Mulazzani.

Lending support to the play directed by stage actor/improv performer Karl Alexi Jingco, are the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Kiwanis International. Proceeds from ticket sales of “Martin, The Little Wolf” will go to scholarships for students with special needs.

Since 1993, The Child’s World – A Growing Center has been producing plays that feature their students, many of whom are children who have autism, developmental delay, and Down’s Syndrom, who come from low-income and middle-income families. Performances are part of the TCW-AGC curriculum because these have proven to be effective in enhancing the potentials of the differently-abled kids.

“Performing on stage gives special-needs individuals the avenue to be heard and seen, express their emotions and share their own message,” explains TCW-AGC Directress Ms. Evelina M. Tan. The play not only aims to put the spotlight on the talents of the TCW-AGC students, but also seeks to inspire the audience. “Especially as these so-called ‘persons with disability’ rise above themselves and show to the world that they can tell their own stories in the roles they portray and shine as unique individuals,” Ms. Tan emphasizes.

The cast composed of all 80 students from TCW-AGC has been rehearsing for months and the process has been very fulfilling. Director Karl Alexis Jingco is very heartened by the response of his actors. “They surprise me with tons of skills, and in return, I give them my heart and soul in creating this colorful world of Martin, the little wolf.”

The public is invited to watch “Martin, The Little Wolf” at Star Theater (in Star City, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City). For ticket inquiries, contact tel. 712-4722 or email emt_twc@yahoo.com.

“You wouldn’t want to miss this play,” Mr. Jingco reiterates. “Because it is a total experience of seeing these individuals with special needs pour out their hearts and spirits…. It is really something to look forward to.”