Asian TYA Network aims to understand the current situation of TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) in East and Southeast Asia, also to connect TYA professionals of the region for promoting TYA within Asia and to develop long-term relationships and co-operation across countries. Asian TYA Network started in 2016, it is hosted by ACO Okinawa (host of ricca ricca*festa) and co-hosted by the Japan Foundation Asia Center.
This was a unique opportunity to sit with a variety of professionals from all around Asia and to explore the work being created for young audiences in many of its countries but also to discuss what might lie ahead.
I met many people of the ATYA network and members of TYA (CEO’s, festival directors, artistic directors and artists etc.) It was a good opportunity to share our experiences.
Not only seeing our friends that we met before, but definitely meeting other artists from other countries, and having wonderful sharing moments was such a precious experience for me.
Through the connections gained from this event, we have a possibility to build strong collaborations and long-term partnerships with professional TYA practitioners.
It is a good strategy indeed for shows to appeal to both young and adult audiences, as it creates bonding and generates communication among generations.
Perhaps the most beneficial thing I gained from this experience was the opportunity to dialogue with TYA practitioners who shared with me their stories and insights.
It was fascinating to know that most of the companies who participated in the forum really focus on creating productions for TYA.
Programs like the Asian TYA Network are important in fostering a culture of exchange among artists and art practitioners from different contexts.
To me, ricca ricca*festa has been a rich encounter to many of the delegates. It was a venue of shared learning and open discussions.
I feel fortunate to have watched twelve different performances that showcase the talent and professionalism of the creatives behind each production.
It was wonderful to attend the festival together and talk about the works we saw, and understand each other’s philosophy about creating works for young audiences.
Southeast Asian (SEA) participants were encouraged to share more about recent TYA developments in their respective countries and discuss opportunities for mutual support.
As a new festival, this was a great opportunity for BICT Fest to be presented in an international platform and context as well as cultivate connections with artists and professionals from around the world.
I believe that this will make us much more engaged, not only with relationships between friends in each country, but also for working together in the future.
The festival has brought about a great link between theatres and performance troupes.