New Delhi, Dec 4 (IANS): Treat yourself to a circus from Germany, theatre from Iran, origami work from Egypt, Indian street theatre and drama and dance at the International Children's Festival of Performing Arts (ICFPA) beginning here Thursday.

The festival, with its theme of "Brighter Tomorrow", is organised by Ryan Foundation, in association with the Indian Council of Cultural Relations and National Bal Bhawan. The four-day festival will be held at different venues in the national capital.

"Performing arts open a window of opportunity for young minds who are sensitised towards many issues. While they do a play or dance, they understand it and develop their own understanding," Utkarsh Marwah, festival director, told IANS.

The 13th edition of the festival will see 24 performances. Musical plays, dramas, circus and puppet shows from 21 participating countries including Bangladesh, Finland, Indonesia, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Nepal, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sri Lanka and Zambia are part of the programme.

School children from across the country are also set to perform.