“Ready, steady… Let’s Play!”: Time Becomes Theatre – Children Discover the Civic Clock Tower through the Timeless Adriatic Project
06/07/2026
Encouraging younger generations to reflect on time, its meaning in everyday life, and the historical and cultural value of public clocks was the guiding theme of the second edition of the summer theatre camp “Ready, steady… Let’s Play!”, held last week at the premises of the Italian Community “Pino Budicin” in Rovinj, in collaboration with the Italian Elementary School “Bernardo Benussi”, as part of the awareness-raising activities of the Interreg Italy–Croatia project TIMELESS ADRIATIC.
The initiative, involving scholars from the second, third and fourth grades, formed part of the broader effort to promote the region’s historical and cultural heritage through the Timeless Adriatic project, in which the City of Rovinj-Rovigno is also a partner. The project aims to rediscover and pass on to younger generations the civic, social and symbolic significance of historic tower clocks, true guardians of collective memory.
Through theatre, play and creative expression, the children explored the concept of time not only as a way of measuring hours, but also as an element that shapes community life, preserves traces of the past and contributes to both individual and collective identity. In this context, Rovinj’s Clock Tower became a tangible symbol of these reflections: not merely a historic monument and urban landmark, but a living testimony to the shared sense of time that for centuries regulated the rhythm of the town, its work, celebrations and social life.
The theatre programme, led by actress, director and theatre educator Petra Bernarda Blašković, helped strengthen essential skills such as listening, dialogue, communication, mutual respect and teamwork, combining personal growth, creativity and awareness of local cultural heritage in full harmony with the educational objectives of the European project. Through expressive games, group exercises and short performances, the children discovered theatrical language in a simple, natural and enjoyable way within an environment that fostered inclusion, cooperation, self-confidence and collective play.
With enthusiasm, sensitivity and an extraordinary ability to connect with young children, Petra Bernarda Blašković transformed every session into an opportunity for discovery, growth and shared enjoyment. The initiative proved to be a highly valuable educational experience, once again demonstrating how theatre can serve as a universal language capable of bringing generations together and encouraging free and authentic self-expression. It was wonderful to see how naturally the children took the initiative, learning to communicate, listen to one another and show mutual respect through performance. Each day became a small journey of discovery and creative freedom.
At the heart of the workshops was a reflection on time as something that flows, leaves traces, preserves memories and accompanies each person’s growth.
A profound and fascinating theme, it was explored by the young participants from many different perspectives, alternating moments of play with creative, educational and cultural activities. One of the highlights was a visit to Rovinj’s Clock Tower, where the children had the opportunity to observe its historic internal mechanism up close and learn how it works.
The summer theatre camp “Ready, steady… Let’s Play!” once again proved to be a valuable opportunity for social growth, offering children a space where they could learn through play, nurture their curiosity and share meaningful experiences with their peers. As the young participants discovered, time continues to flow and transform everything. Yet the emotions experienced, the friendships formed and the places that preserve a community’s memory remain, becoming a living part of everyone’s identity.
