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☞여기☜를 클릭 하시면 크롬 등 브라우저에서 제공하는 한국어 번역을 이용하실 수 있습니다. A Mirror for Their Dreams, A Stage for Their WorldBy Shoaib Iqbal, Member of the Executive Committee of ASSITEJ International When I see children sit in a theatre, I know they are not just watching—they are stepping into a world where anything is possible. I see the lights flicker, the curtains part, and suddenly, they are explorers in a land of endless imagination. They see heroes rise, voices unite, and stories weave together like a tapestry of dreams. In those moments, I realize children do not just witness—they feel, they dream, and they begin to imagine a world that is truly theirs. Theatre is a key to unlocking creativity, to showing children that the world they see is not the only one that can exist. It whispers, “What if?” What if equality and equity was not just a wish but a reality? What if every voice mattered, every story was heard? What if the planet was not something to save, but a home to celebrate? Through theatre, children learn that they can dream these possibilities into being. In a world tangled in inequality, conflict, and a climate crying for care, I believe we do not need children to patch up the pieces of the past. Instead, we need to give them the tools to imagine something better—for themselves, for each other, and for the planet. Theatre opens their eyes to empathy, showing them lives beyond their own. It spark ideas of justice—not as a distant goal, but as a practice rooted in kindness and understanding. Through these stories, they can also unlearn old narratives—of colonization, of division—and replace them with ones of equity and shared humanity. They begin to see the world as a place where everyone belongs, where differences do not divide but enrich. Theatre helps them question power, challenge unfairness, and imagine justice that is inclusive and transformative. For me, raising a generation that is more human, more attuned to life, is not about burdening them with the weight of what is broken. It is about handing them the gift of possibility. It is about helping them dream a world that is freer, fairer, and bursting with life. When I watch children see theatre, I know they see themselves—not as passengers, but as creators of a world filled with stories that matter. They do not leave as spectators. They leave as happy little visionaries, ready to build a future that is more compassionate, more just, and fully their own. All of us in the theatre communities across the world are making it possible for children to see their dreams dancing in the mirror, and treat this world as their stage to do good. All of us need to keep going. Lire en français> Leer en español>
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| News from ASSITEJ International |
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 | | | | ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering 2025 | | | From 23 to 29 March 2025, Scènes d'enfance - ASSITEJ France, in partnership with the Théâtre Massalia, is inviting all the professionals who work with young people in France and abroad to come together at the Friche la Belle de Mai and in a number of theatres in Marseille for a major event! Celebrating the 60th anniversary of ASSITEJ International, this 2025 edition is of particular importance and will be an exceptional opportunity to shine the spotlight on the new generations and all the professionals who contribute to the vitality of live performance for young audiences. 🌎🌍🌏 Marseille, France 🗓 23 - 29 March 2025
More information> Lire en français> |
 | | | | Why Are Performing Arts for Children and Young People Valuable? | | | Join researchers Kelly Freebody, Michael Anderson and Eliza Oliver when they present and discuss their advocacy-focused research findings on the value of the performing arts for young audiences.
ASSITEJ International has commissioned this inspiring research to qualify and quantify claims on the unique value that our sector provides to the lives of children and young people.
Engage in the conversation and learn more! 🌎🌍🌏 ZOOM 🗓 22 & 27 November 2024 Register for session 1> Register for session 2> |
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 | | | | Danced Postcards | | | Scènes d'enfance - ASSITEJ France As you know, we are actively preparing for our upcoming artistic gathering in Marseille: "Bright Generations". While we were building our opening ceremony, it became really important to us to invite children from all around the world to join us. How? Through "danced postcards" from children of your country, which you will send us in video files.
We ask you to find a professional artist, dancer, or choreographer who would like to respond to this invitation with a group of children, connect this artist with the group, and film their danced response (maximum 1 minute, in landscape format). We will then edit all these videos together so that they can be broadcast throughout the artistic gathering and during the opening ceremony. Deadline: 30 January 2025 More information> Lire en français> |
 | | | | Leadership Demographics in TYA | | | In this presentation, Caleb Lee and Nishna Mehta will share the methodology, thematic concerns and limitations that emerged during the study, along with the data collected. This pilot study marks the beginning of an ongoing conversation that can be expanded within the participating countries to better define the targeted context. The presentation will be particularly valuable for producers, researchers, and artists interested in exploring leadership demographics within their own contexts. 🌎🌍🌏 ZOOM 🗓 10 December 2024 Register for session 1> Register for session 2>
Respond to research survey> |
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 | | | | Call for Submissions to Youth Theatre Journal | | | Youth Theatre Journal Youth Theatre Journal seeks new, innovative, creative, and/or scholarly research manuscripts including the following: · Research-based articles advancing theory, inquiry, documentation, discussion, critique, and advocacy of theatre or drama created by, for, or with young people; · Voices from the Field: Reflections about theatre processes, performances, programs, and experiences written by young people; · New Plays: unpublished scripts of plays written by and/or for young people, written by a solo playwright or devised by an ensemble. Include introduction that outlines the process and performance/production history when relevant. Deadline: 17 January 2025 More information> |
 | | | | Winter Circus 2025–26: Open Call for Circus Artists | | | ASSITEJ Finland Would you enjoy performing in the beloved Winter Circus show with a skilled team of other professionals, on the main stage of the Dance House Helsinki, Finland? Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth is now announcing an open call for circus artists for the 2025–26 Winter Circus production! The rehearsal and performance period will run from 22.9.2025–31.1.2026. Winter Circus, produced by Dance Theatre Hurjaruuth, is a warm-spirited show for the whole family. It has been delighting audiences for 30 years, since 1994, in the city of Helsinki, Finland. It is an annual Christmas season tradition for a great amount of families and it also reaches new audiences every year. Overall, Winter Circus attracts more than 30 000 spectators yearly and it’s the much-awaited bright spot of winter for many. 🌎🌍🌏 Helsinki, Finland 🗓 22 September 2025 - 31 January 2026 Deadline: 15 December 2024 More information> |
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 | | | | International Drama Facilitator Job Opening | | | The A.S.K We are seeking international facilitators and directors to join us in providing skill-based theatre training for young people aged 7-16. This is a full-time position with a minimum one-year contract, based in either Beijing or Shanghai. Excitingly, we are in the process of building a Youth Theatre Troupe! 🌎🌍🌏 Beijing/Shanghai, China View job description> |
 | | | | Open Call: I TEATRI DEL MONDO – International Theatre Festival for Children | | | ASSITEJ Italy We are pleased to announce that the XXXVI edition of I TEATRI DEL MONDO – International Theatre Festival for Children will take place from July 12 to 19, 2025, in Porto Sant'Elpidio (FM), Italy. "I Teatri del Mondo" is one of the longest-running Italian festivals dedicated to children's and youth theatre. It serves as a comprehensive platform showcasing this unique art form in our country, featuring theatre performances, workshops, exhibitions, special events, and original projects. 🌎🌍🌏 Porto Sant'Elpidio, Italy 🗓 12 - 19 July 2025 Deadline: 20 December 2024 More information> |
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| News from around the world |
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 | | | | The Passing of Mr. Sihlangu Dlodlo | | | ASSITEJ Zimbabwe ASSITEJ Zimbabwe mourns the loss of Mr. Sihlangu Dlodlo, a dedicated artist, arts teacher, arts administrator, and arts manager. Dlodlo began his remarkable arts career in the early 1980s at Amakhosi Theatre under the mentorship of the late Cont Mhlanga. He further honed his skills through theatre training in Norway, expanding his artistic vision and expertise. Read more> |
 | | | | Suzanne Osten 1944 - 2024 | | | ASSITEJ Sweden Suzanne Osten (1944-2024) passed away on 29 October, leaving behind a magnificent legacy as one of Sweden's most groundbreaking artists. Suzanne's influence on Swedish and international performing arts is immeasurable, and through her art she has changed our view of what theatre for a young audience can be. With a deep love for her audience, her strong artistry and her courage, she will be remembered for generations to come. Her work continues to inspire and shape the art of theatre, and her passing is deeply mourned by friends and colleagues in Sweden and around the world. Read more> Read in Swedish> |
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 | | | | Save the date! Visioni di futuro, Visioni di teatro 2025 | | | La Baracca We present a preview of the programme of the 22nd edition of the festival, supported by the European project Babel - The Art of listening in TYA. This edition will present our renovated venue, after restyling works, as well as new spaces and opportunities. 🌎🌍🌏 Bologna, Italy 🗓 7 - 17 March 2025 More information> |
 | | | | ‘Sardine, soap, travel!‘ Thank You to Everyone | | | Write Local. Play Global. A big thank you to everyone who took part in ‘Sardine, soap, travel!’, call for short French-language plays launched by Write Local. Play Global., Scènes d'Enfance-ASSITEJ France and Théâtre Massalia, and to everyone who spread the word: we received very diverse scripts from 12 countries. More to come on our websites. -- Un grand merci à toutes celles et ceux qui ont participé à « Sardine, savon, voyage », l'appel à pièces courtes francophones lancé par Write Local-Play Global, Scènes d'Enfance-ASSITEJ France et le Théâtre Massalia, et à toutes celles et ceux qui l'ont relayé : nous avons reçu plus des textes très divers en provenance de 12 pays. Plus d'informations à venir sur nos sites web. |
 | | | | A New Chapter for the Nordic-Baltic ASSITEJ Network | | | Nordic-Baltic ASSITEJ Network We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for the Nordic-Baltic ASSITEJ Network – the Nordic Culture Point and its Demos administrative funding expert group have decided to award our application a grant of €200,000 for the years 2025–2027. The aim of the funding is to strengthen professional performing arts for young audiences (TYA) in the Nordic region. The Nordic-Baltic ASSITEJ Network (NBAN) is a regional network within ASSITEJ International. The network consists of the national ASSITEJ centres of the eight Nordic-Baltic countries. The NBAN has a long history of collaboration. The regular operations of NBAN include information sharing, advocating for TYA in the region and worldwide, creating exchange and work opportunities for TYA professionals, and improving children’s and young people’s access to art and culture. More information> |
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 | | | | Monthly ForesTEEN Online Meeting | | | ForesTEEN The monthly ForesTEEN Online Meeting will be led by the TAG (Theatre Active Group) from Germany coordinated by ASSITEJ e.V. / Kinder- und Jugendtheaterzentrum (DE). This session invites young participants to connect and explore topics in art, culture, and environmental awareness 🌎🌍🌏 Online 🗓 26 November 2024 Register>
Participate in ForesTEEN events> |
 | | | | XXIII ASSITEJ Spain Award for Theatre for Children and Young People | | | ASSITEJ Spain "DE HÉROES Y MONSTRUOS" by Xabier López Askasibar wins the XXIII ASSITEJ Spain Award for Theatre for Children and Youth. Out of a total of 89 works submitted, Xabier's stood out for its ability to portray a social issue from a multifaceted perspective without losing its sense of humour. Read more> -- “DE HÉROES Y MONSTRUOS” del autor Xabier López Askasibar gana el XXIII Premio ASSITEJ España de Teatro para la Infancia y la Juventud. De un total de 89 obras presentadas, la de Xabier ha destacado por su capacidad para radiografiar una problemática social desde una perspectiva poliédrica sin renunciar al sentido del humor. Leer más> |
 | | | | Japan Brings Balloon Art to Zambia | | | ASSITEJ Zambia ASSITEJ Zambia in partnership with ZAPOTA hosted Kugani Dance Group from Okinawa, Japan from October 15 to October 20 for a series of performances in Lusaka. The Japanese were in the country and staged five shows of their production titled “Happy Balloons” The shows drew hundreds of children and adults at Circus Zambia and the historic Lusaka Playhouse. Read more> |
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| Article Section | | | | Looking Back: AWC 2024 - Voices of A New World |
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| by Nishna Mehta | | | | In Conversation With: Sanja Frühwald & Alfredo Zinola from Young Dance Network | | | “We all have bodies, so we all can dance!” say Sanja Frühwald and Alfredo Zinola from the Young Dance Network. They emphasise the importance of physical interactions and community building, as well as the symbolism of shared humanity beyond professional differences. After 3 days of trying to call and text and chase them around Hotel Nacional de Cuba, while also sitting next to them during the General Assembly, I finally managed to have a quick chat with Sanja and Alfredo about the buzzing activities by the network at the 21st World Congress and Festival in Havana. Listen/read the full interview> |
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