Cradle of Creativity – the 19th World Congress of ASSITEJ International held in Cape Town, South Africa May 17 – 27
This was a remarkable festival, conference and Congress in Cape Town which spanned 12 days with the theme Intercultural underpinning the content. It took delegates to Township communities, into workshops and seminars, in front of shows from across the world and at receptions and celebrations bringing everyone together. Over 103 different countries were present. Australian company the Last Great Hunt was selected for the festival program and PYT’s show Jump First Ask Later was shown as a screening for delegates. Independent artist Katrine Gabb ran the International Inclusive Arts Network focus day.
There was a strong Australian contingent at the festival and congress, with 23 Australians from the Theatre for Young Audiences sector attending either as performers or delegates.
Companies represented included:
| Australian Theatre for Young People |
| Shopfront |
| Australia Council for the Arts |
| Carclew |
| Sensorium Theatre |
| Dead Puppet Society |
| Slingsby |
| National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) |
| Sydney Opera House |
| The Last Great Hunt |
| Barking Gecko |
| Independent |
| Corrugated Iron Youth Arts |
| Powerhouse Youth Theatre |
| Circa |
| Katrine Gabb |
| Terrapin Puppet Theatre |
| The Last Great Hunt |
| Independent |
| The Last Great Hunt |
| Polyglot Theatre |
This included the 5 delegates funded through Australia Council and organised by Kevin du Preez – Director Capacity Building, Strategy Development and Advocacy. Having the OZCO presence there was excellent for several reasons including the visibility of the Australian TYA sector at the event and also because it demonstrated support and focus from our key funding body. Don’t forget to check out the ASSITEJ International website for news and opportunities.
http://www.assitej-international.org/en
https://www.facebook.com/ASSITEJ.International/
In Congress Sue Giles was re-elected as Executive Committee member and also made one of the Vice Presidents of the Association. She will continue to work with TNA on advocacy and opportunities for Australia TYA. Sue is also a member of TYAsia – a regional network that concentrates on connection and support in the Asia Pacific region.
https://www.facebook.com/TYAsia-Network-1154370871341681/
Reminder to all those TNA members who have indicated their interest and commitment to Theatre for Young Audiences, you have immediately become members of ASSITEJ Australia. This means you are also members of ASSITEJ International. What we intend to do is keep you all in the loop with monthly newsletters but you can also subscribe to these independently on the ASSITEJ Website.
Facebook page: Ypaa Assitej
