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By Theis Irgens, Member of the Executive Committee of ASSITEJ International |
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What if we approached all performances for young audiences as relaxed performances? As a theatre maker and performer, my creative drive stems from a deep passion for fostering connection. I believe in making work that allows people to be in each other’s presence, bridging differences in language, physical appearance, cultural background, or number of chromosomes. Working with access and inclusion in the arts is the opposite of isolating. It's about building connections and fostering curiosity about others - And we have to be in on it together, across all levels of our field. One good example of this is theatres and other venues having relaxed performances, from a variety of productions. The show is the same as any night, but there might also be more light in the space, more audience hosts, signs and pictograms, and it’s ok to make the sounds you need to make, go out and come back in. It's truly exciting to witness the growing commitment to relaxed performances across our sector. This fantastic initiative is opening doors for many, and we celebrate every theatre, company, and venue making these vital changes. Yet, a truly inspiring idea recently crossed my path, shifting my perspective in the most brilliant way. My colleague and I recently had the privilege of attending the INAF festival organized by ASSITEJ Norway where, over coffee in the sun, we connected with an inspiring artistic director from a major theatre institution. Our conversation naturally turned to the topic of relaxed performances, and the director shared that their theatre had been integrating them into all their productions for a long time – a wonderful commitment. However, the director then revealed that they had recently started posing a new, profound question to themselves: What if we approached all performances for young audiences as relaxed performances? This simple yet revolutionary concept challenges us to envision a future where universal access isn't an add-on, but the very foundation of performing arts for young people. Or just performing arts. |
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| News from ASSITEJ International |
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| | A Culture Compass for Europe |
| ASSITEJ International has provided feedback to the 'Culture Compass for Europe' initiative to be taken into account while it is further developed by the European Commission. This initiative will serve as a strategic framework for EU cultural policy. It aims to improve the consistency of EU policies and strengthen coordination between funding and policy. ASSITEJ has given feedback as one of the identified stakeholders and through public consultations. Read ASSITEJ’s feedback> |
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| | Welcome ASSITEJ North Macedonia! |
| We are pleased to welcome ASSITEJ North Macedonia as the newest ASSITEJ National Centre. With their arrival, our global network continues to grow. We look forward to their participation and collaboration, and we wish them great success in the work ahead. |
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| | Creating Cultural Equity Survey |
| As part of the ‘Creating Cultural Equity’ project, external evaluators Dr Richard Johnson Sallis and Dr Jennifer Andersen from The University of Melbourne in Australia are examining to what extent ASSITEJ International’s work is supporting the cultural rights of children and young people within the global Theatre & Performing Arts for Young Audiences sector. We kindly ask you to support the ongoing development of our Association by contributing your views, opinions, and experiences of ASSITEJ International in this survey. If you have already completed previous evaluation surveys, we still welcome your thoughts on this survey which asks some different questions. Some questions are the same as in previous surveys for comparison. The survey will take 15-20 minutes to complete. Deadline Extended: 20 June Respond to survey> |
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| | Open Call: International Performing Arts Encounter for Teenagers |
| ASSITEJ Cuba ASSITEJ Cuba invites stage artists, actors, actresses, theatre and dance performers from Cuba and the rest of the world to the 1st International Encounter of Theatre for Adolescents ESCENA REBELDE, Havana 2025. This event, part of the legacy of the 21st ASSITEJ World Congress, will be an opportunity for artists and thinkers from all over the world to meet and work with adolescents. We believe that this stage of life is crucial in the formation of a strong, sensitive and profound personality in the understanding of the world and human environments. We also believe that it is somewhat neglected in the proposals of shows and festivals everywhere. 🌎🌍🌏 Havana, Cuba 🗓 12 - 16 November 2025 Deadline: 30 June 2025 More info> |
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| | Open Call for Projects Co-Curated by Teenagers |
| ForesTEEN Are you involving teenagers as co-curators in creative or cultural processes? We’re mapping projects that empower teens – not just creatively, but also in planning, organizing, and decision-making! For application details, fill out the Google form and find the benefits. Application form> |
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| | Call for Listeners: International Forum for Researchers and Critics of Performing Arts for Children & Youth |
| ATINA/ASSITEJ Argentina The VII International Forum Of Researchers And Critics Of The Performing Arts For Children And Youth (AEIJ) organised by the Association of Independent Theatre for Children and Adolescents (ATINA) in collaboration with the International Theatre Researchers Network for Children and Youth (ITYARN), both members of ASSITEJ International, with the aim of stimulating the development of research in this field at national and international level, is now open for registration. The VII Forum will take place from 6-10 October 2025 in Buenos Aires at ARGENTORES (Argentinean Association of Authors). The theme of the VII Forum will be: ‘The Space in the Performing Arts for Children and Youth’ 🌎🌍🌏 Buenos Aires, Argentina 🗓 6 - 10 October 2025 Read more> |
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| | Calls for Positions at Centro Cultural de Belém Foundation, Portugal |
| Centro Cultural de Belém Foundation The Centro Cultural de Belém Foundation in Lisbon has launched two international Calls for the following positions: - Artistic Director for the Performing Arts at Centro Cultural de Belém (m/f)
Full-time position
Deadline to apply: 15 September 2025 - Architecture Curator at the Contemporary Art Museum of Centro Cultural de Belém (m/f)
Deadline to apply: 15 August 2025
🌎🌍🌏 Lisbon, Portugal More Info> |
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| News from around the world |
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| | La Mèche Courte: A New International Festival for Young Audiences in Montréal |
| ASSITEJ Canada A new festival for young audiences is about to ignite Montréal (Canada). From November 7 to 16, 2025, the city will light up with works of theatre and dance from Canada and abroad, as we launch the very first edition of LA MÈCHE COURTE. 🌎🌍🌏 Montréal, Canada 🗓 7 - 16 November 2025 Read more> |
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| | Directors in TYA – An International Exchange |
| ASSITEJ Germany From June 22nd-29th the DIRECTORS IN TYA – An International Exchange 2025 takes place in Hamburg at FUNDUS THEATER | Forschungstheater. ASSITEJ Germany is looking forward to welcoming 24 participants from 22 countries from all over the world. Together they will work on the topic "Reassembling the world: Intergenerational and international alliances in TYA." Don’t miss the impressions we will share on social media @jungespublikum! 🌎🌍🌏 Hamburg, Germany 🗓 22 - 29 June 2025 Read more> |
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| Sustainability Section by Theis Irgens Many years ago, I attended a conference about democracy and the role of arts education in building sustainable democracy. One of the highlights was a workshop by Helgard Haug from Rimini Protokoll, based on their concept 100% City. In the main part, we were listening to statements spoken by Helgard, and moving to one side or the other according to whether we agreed or disagreed with the statement. To begin with, the statements were easy to process. But gradually, it became more and more difficult to decide which side to move to. Read/listen to full article> |
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| | Save the Date |
| BABEL The very last round of the 'Babel' project will take place during the 'Export/Import Festival' in Brussels – November 7-11. November 7th: Conference led by Wolfgang Schneider and Nicola Scherer. The programme of the festival is to be released in September – check it out. 🌎🌍🌏 Brussels, Belgium 🗓 7 - 11 November 2025 More info on Babel> |
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| | 20 YEARS of SEGNI New Generations Festival |
| ASSITEJ Italy 20 YEARS of SEGNI New Generations Festival: the programme is shaping! There will be Professionals' Days from October 30th to November 4th, and from November 7th to 9th with specific programmes on accessibility. Fill in the form to receive information and access the EARLY BIRD PASS on time. 🌎🌍🌏 Mantua, Italy 🗓 30 October - 4 November & 7-9 November 2025 Take part in the "GRAND TOUR OF ITALIAN TYA" organised by SEGNI! Take this opportunity to visit the SEGNI festival in Mantua and other Italian youth theatre venues in other cities, on a tour organised by Segni. 🌎🌍🌏 Italy 🗓 16 October - 16 November 2025 Read more> |
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| | FESTECA: Cazenga International Theatre Festival |
| ASSITEJ Angola The 20th edition of FESTECA - Cazenga International Theatre Festival, the largest and most regular theatre event held in Angola, will take place at Anim'Art - Centro de Animação Artística do Cazenga, in the municipality of Cazenga, Luanda, Republic of Angola, from 10 to 20 July 2025. This year's edition, which is special because it marks 20 years of the festival without interruption, will mark the 50th anniversary of Angola's independence from Portuguese colonialism and will pay tribute to 50 people who have worked to develop theatre in Angola over the years. 🌎🌍🌏 Luanda, Angola 🗓 10 - 20 July 2025 Read more> Ler em português> |
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| | ASSITEJ Korea to Host the 33rd International Summer Festival |
| ASSITEJ Korea The 33rd ASSITEJ Korea International Summer Festival will take place from July 22 to 27 in Daehangno, Seoul, presenting six performances under the theme “Humanism, to come”—including four international works from the UK, Canada, Spain, and Chile, and two outstanding productions from Korea. The festival also features professional workshops, interactive programs for families, and “Small Talks” with artists. It continues its Inclusive Arts Project for Children with Korea Disability Arts & Culture Center and expands access through regional performances in Busan, Daegu, Gwangju (Gyeonggi & Metropolitan), and Pyeongtaek. 🌎🌍🌏 Seoul, Korea 🗓 22 - 27 July 2025 Read more> |
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| | Something Bright to Remember from Bright Generations |
| ACYTA Attending the ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering in France as a delegate of Bright Generations was an experience I’ll never forget. The congress brought together artists from around the world—each with their own stories, practices, and perspectives—all committed to the shared goal of enriching theatre for young audiences. It was an inspiring space, filled with vibrant conversations, new ideas, and the kind of energy that only comes from people who genuinely care about their work.
Read full article> |
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| | Remembering Udaybhanu Garikapatti (1953–2025) |
| ASSITEJ India ASSITEJ India deeply mourns the passing of Udaybhanu Garikapatti in May 2025. A devoted thespian, mentor, and advocate for Theatre and Performing Arts for Young Audiences (TYA), Udaybhanu served as Secretary of ASSITEJ India from 2013–2016 and Vice President from 2019–2025. Read more> |
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| | Nordic-Baltic Dance Workshop: Movement and Exchange for Young Audiences |
| Nordic-Baltic Network In September 4 – 6, 2025, ASSITEJ Sweden, in collaboration with the Nordic-Baltic ASSITEJ Network (NBAN), will host a Nordic-Baltic Dance Workshop in Malmö. The workshop brings together dance artists from across the Nordic-Baltic region to explore movement-based practices and creation for young audiences. Held in connection with the Young Dance Market 2025, the initiative offers a vibrant platform for artistic exchange, networking, and the development of future collaborations within the field of dance for children and youth.
🌎🌍🌏 Malmö, Sweden 🗓 4 - 6 September 2025 Read more> |
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| | News from ASSITEJ Sweden |
| ASSITEJ Sweden Young Dance Market 2025: Showcasing Dance for Young Audiences On September 3 - 4, 2025, the fourth edition of 'Young Dance Market' will take place in Malmö, Sweden. The event is a curated platform dedicated to promoting dance for young audiences across Sweden and the Nordic region. Organized in collaboration with ASSITEJ Sweden, 'Young Dance Market 2025' offers presenters and professionals the opportunity to discover new touring-ready productions and engage with artists through pitches, performances, and networking activities. 🌎🌍🌏 Malmö, Sweden 🗓 3 - 4 September 2025 Read more> An Equal Stage– Political Strategies and Activism in Performing Arts for Young Audiences (by Niclas Malmcrona) In a time when cultural policy is challenged by budget cuts, decentralisation, and unclear lines of responsibility, the question arises: how can performing arts for young audiences become a driving force for equality and democratic participation? In his thought-provoking essay, An Equal Stage, Niclas Malmcrona explores the intersections between political strategy, cultural policy, and artistic activism within our field. Read more> |
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| | ASSITEJ Cyprus "takes over" the Cyprus Parliament |
| ASSITEJ Cyprus On the occasion of World Children’s Day, the House of Parliament of Cyprus hosted ASSITEJ Cyprus, for a day dedicated to democracy and participation. The event involved children from primary schools in the rural areas of Denia, Athienou, and Troulloi. Through theatre-based activities, the children explored ideas of citizenship and collective voice in a creative and inclusive way. The project was designed and led by Lea Maleni and Nayia T. Karakosta, and implemented with the support of a team of performers and facilitators. The President of the Parliament, Annita Demetriou, attended the event and addressed the participants. View more> |
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| | ASSITEJ Small Countries Network Meets in Luxembourg |
| Small Countries Network From June 4 to 9, ASSITEJ Luxembourg hosted the 3rd annual meeting of the ASSITEJ Small Countries Network alongside the SparksLAB programme for emerging artists. This year’s focus was on object theatre for young audiences. The event brought together artists, professionals, and ASSITEJ representatives from Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Montenegro, Cyprus and San Marino. Read more> |
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| | Gathering in Fortaleza Brings Together Brazilian TYA Practitioners & Consolidates New Regional Branch of CBTIJ/ASSITEJ Brasil |
| CBTIJ/ASSITEJ Brasil Between May 6th and 11th, the 6th National Gathering of TYA Practitioners took place in Fortaleza (Ceará). The event, promoted by the group Pavilhão da Magnólia, a member of CBTIJ/ASSITEJ Brasil, was attended by groups from Ceará and guests from other states (Goiás, São Paulo and Bahia). The programme included shows, debates and a seminar. In this space, fundamental issues for the development of artistic practices aimed at children and young people were discussed, covering topics such as poetics, dramaturgies, reception, public policies and the formation of networks. Read more>
Ler em português> |
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| Article/Podcast Section |
| | Looking Back: AAG 2025 - Bright Generations |
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| By Rivardo Niyonizigiye |
| | Weaving my dreams with the others’: my unforgettable experience in Marseille |
| Imagine! I, Rivardo, a young artist and dreamer from Burundi, immersed in a global event where voices from Australia, Ghana, Scandinavia, Reunion Island, Cuba, France, Nigeria, Taiwan, Canada, Rwanda, South Africa, Ukraine, Brazil, and more came together. A constellation of passionate souls united by one love: theatre for young audiences. ASSITEJ International’s 'Bright Generations' New Voices programme was much more than a workshop or a simple residency. A week that felt like just a few fleeting moments, but whose fruits will last forever. It was a human encounter, a laboratory of ideas, a ground for shared dreams. A golden opportunity offered by the purest kind of generosity: love, collaboration, and the spirit of Ubuntu. Read full article> |
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